James Aylward (cricketer)

James Aylward (born 18 January 1852, died 24 October 1936) was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Hampshire and Cambridge University.

Aylward was a right-handed batsman and an occasional right-arm slow bowler. He played for Cambridge University between 1873 and 1876, gaining his Blue in 1875 and 1876. He appeared intermittently for Hampshire from 1875 to 1886, a period before the county achieved first-class status, and then regularly after Hampshire was admitted to the County Championship in 1895, continuing in the side until 1906. He captained Hampshire from 1896 to 1899.

Aylward was known for his defensive batting style and played often as an opener. His highest score was 174, made against Sussex in 1895, his first season as a first-class cricketer with Hampshire. He also achieved notable success in University matches, scoring 86 against Oxford in 1876. He retired from first-class cricket at the age of 54.