The conversation around England's upcoming Test squad has taken a fresh turn, with former captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain weighing in on the rise of Somerset's 22‑year‑old left‑hander James Rew. Rew has been a revelation in this season's County Championship, consistently piling up runs and positioning himself as the competition's most prolific scorer, second only to Jamie Smith.
Yet, despite his impressive tally, the pathway to an England Test debut is anything but straightforward. ### The Current Landscape of England's Middle Order England’s current middle‑order appears firmly entrenched. The likes of Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and the emerging Jacob Bethell have all cemented their places through a blend of experience, form and the trust of the selectors.
This stability means that a newcomer like Rew, who typically bats in the middle order for Somerset, faces a significant barrier if he hopes to break into the national side in that role. The consensus among pundits and former players is that his most realistic avenue is to transition to an opening position, thereby offering a solution to the ongoing concerns surrounding England’s top of the order. ### Why Opening Might Be Rew's Best Bet At present, England’s opening partnership is under pressure.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett have struggled for consistency, prompting speculation that the selectors may look for fresh talent to inject vigor at the top. Rew’s technique against the new ball, his ability to negotiate swing and seam, and his proven record of scoring heavily in county cricket make him a compelling candidate for this role. If Somerset were to promote him to open the innings, it would not only benefit the county’s own ambitions but also give England a ready‑made option should they decide to reshuffle the top order ahead of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on 4 June.
### Atherton’s Perspective on the Situation During a recent episode of the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, Michael Atherton highlighted the paradox facing Rew. "James Rew is getting lots of runs and playing really well," he said, acknowledging the youngster’s form. However, Atherton was quick to point out that the middle‑order spots are effectively locked.
"You’re not going to get in the middle order. So opening the batting, I think there’s going to be a vacancy there because I don’t see Crawley getting picked," he added.
Atherton emphasized the delicate balance between a county’s desire to retain its best players and England’s need to develop talent for the international stage. He argued that a player who consistently opens for his county is far more likely to be considered for a similar role with the national side.
### Hussain’s Take on Somerset’s Dilemma Former England captain Nasser Hussain echoed many of Atherton’s points but added his own nuance. He referenced former Glamorgan player‑turned‑writer Steve James, who suggested that Rew should be knocking on Somerset’s door to claim an opening slot. Hussain warned that if Somerset were to lose a key batsman to the national team, it could destabilise their own campaign. "I do think opening is a specialist position," he said, underscoring the importance of a clear plan for Rew’s development.
Hussain also reflected on historical precedents, mentioning Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart, both of whom opened for England after establishing themselves at the top of the order for their counties. He noted that attempts to shift Dan Lawrence into the opening slot had not produced the desired results, reinforcing the idea that the role requires a specific skill set.
### The Tactical Puzzle for England If Rew were to receive a call‑up, England would face a tactical conundrum: where to slot him into a side that already has a settled top‑order. One possibility, as discussed on the podcast, is to move Jacob Bethell up to open and place Rew at number three. However, this would likely require Joe Root to shift down the order, a move Root has historically resisted. The scenario illustrates the broader challenge selectors face when trying to integrate a high‑performing county player without disrupting the existing hierarchy.
### Statistical Snapshot A quick look at the current Championship figures underscores Rew’s credentials: - Jamie Smith: 396 runs at an average of 99.00 - James Rew: 379 runs at an average of 75.80 - Tom Abell: 337 runs at an average of 56.16 - Joe Clarke: 273 runs at an average of 68.25 - Oliver Cox: 266 runs at an average of 88.66 - Ben Foakes: 255 runs at an average of 127.50 These numbers demonstrate that Rew is not merely a flash in the pan; he is delivering sustained, high‑quality performances week after week. ### Other Emerging Talent on Atherton’s Radar Atherton used the platform to highlight additional county players who could make an impact on the international stage. He praised Sonny Baker for his lively pace and wicket‑taking ability, and noted the progress of Sussex’s Henry Crocombe, a promising young fast bowler.
Sam Cook, despite a modest showing in his recent Test debut, was singled out for his potential; Atherton argued that a single off‑day should not define a bowler’s future, especially when the player is entering his prime at 28. He also mentioned the competition from Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher, suggesting that Cook still has a realistic shot at regular England selection. ### The Bigger Picture: England’s Summer Schedule England’s home summer begins with a three‑Test series against New Zealand at Lord’s, followed by a packed calendar featuring series against other major nations. The stakes are high, and the selectors are under pressure to field a side that balances experience with fresh talent.
The performance of players like Rew in the County Championship provides a vital talent pool from which to draw. ### Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for James Rew? James Rew’s future hinges on a few key factors: 1.
**County Role Adjustment** – If Somerset can accommodate him as an opener, it will significantly boost his chances of an England call‑up. 2. **Selector Flexibility** – England must be willing to experiment with the top order, potentially reshuffling established players to make room for a high‑performing youngster. 3.
**Consistent Performance** – Maintaining his current run‑scoring rate will keep him in the conversation, especially as the season progresses and other candidates emerge. In summary, while the middle order remains largely locked, the opening slots present a realistic pathway for Rew. Both Atherton and Hussain agree that the balance between county needs and national ambitions is delicate, but the left‑hander’s prolific run‑making makes a compelling case for his inclusion. If Somerset can provide him with the opening experience he needs, England may soon find itself with a fresh, reliable option at the top of the order as it prepares for the challenges of a busy summer schedule.