The conversation around England's upcoming Test squad has turned sharply toward the performances of a young Somerset batsman named James Rew. In a recent Sky Sports Cricket podcast, former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain dissected Rew's record in the County Championship and debated how, or even if, he could fit into the national side. Rew, a 22‑year‑old left‑hander, currently tops the run‑scoring charts in the first‑class game, second only to Jamie Smith.
His tally of 379 runs at an average of 75.80 places him among the most consistent performers this season. Yet, despite his prolific numbers, the pathway to an England Test jersey is anything but straightforward. The current England middle order is effectively locked in.
Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and the emerging Jacob Bethell have cemented their places, leaving little room for a newcomer to displace a seasoned campaigner. As a result, the logical avenue for Rew appears to be opening the innings.
The England selectors have struggled to find a reliable partner for Zak Crawley, whose recent form has been under pressure, and Ben Duckett, who has been shuffled between the top and middle order. If Rew can be persuaded to take on the opening role for Somerset, he might present a viable alternative for the national side.
Atherton opened the discussion by acknowledging Rew's run‑scoring exploits: "James Rew is getting lots of runs and playing really well. But that middle order is locked up, isn't it? 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 went on to stress the delicate balance between county ambitions and England's developmental needs, noting that any move to open for England would have to align with Somerset's own priorities.
Hussain, who captained England from 1999 to 2003, added another layer to the debate. He quoted former Glamorgan player‑turned‑journalist Steve James, who suggested that Rew should be "knocking on the door at Somerset and asking them to open the batting." Hussain warned that if Somerset were to lose a key player to international duties, the county could suffer, especially given the specialist nature of opening the innings. He cited historical examples, mentioning Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart, who both opened for England after establishing themselves at the top of the county order.
The crux of the issue, according to both former captains, is that a player must prove himself in the top three for his county before being considered for a top‑order Test role. Atherton was explicit: "I wouldn't be shoving Root in from the middle order if that's where he's staying.
They did it with Dan Lawrence. It wasn't a success, but you felt they were just keeping the seat warm there. I think you've got to be batting in the top three." If Rew were to move up to open for Somerset, several scenarios could unfold for England.
One possibility is that Jacob Bethell, who usually bats at three, could be promoted to open, allowing Rew to slot into the No 3 position. However, this would require Joe Root to shift down the order, a move Root has historically resisted.
Another option would be to keep the current order intact and use Rew as a specialist opener only in specific conditions, such as when the pitch favors a left‑handed top‑order partnership. Beyond the opening debate, the podcast also touched on other emerging talents in the County Championship.
Atherton highlighted Sonny Baker, a quick‑bowling prospect showing promise, and Henry Crocombe from Sussex, who is developing into a reliable seam bowler. He also defended Sam Cook, a 28‑year‑old fast bowler who struggled in his debut Test but has consistently taken wickets in the domestic circuit. Cook's competition includes the likes of Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher, yet Atherton believes Cook is entering his prime and should not be dismissed after a single under‑whelming performance.
The broader context of the upcoming England summer adds urgency to these discussions. England will host New Zealand for a three‑Test series starting on 4 June at Lord’s, followed by a packed schedule of home internationals.
The selectors will be under pressure to field a side that balances experience with fresh talent, especially in the batting department where recent injuries and form slumps have exposed vulnerabilities. Statistically, Rew's numbers stack up impressively against his peers.
While Jamie Smith leads with 396 runs at a flawless 99.00 average, Rew's 379 runs at 75.80 still place him among the elite. Other notable performers include Tom Abell (337 runs, 56.16), Joe Clarke (273 runs, 68.25) and Oliver Cox (266 runs, 88.66). Even wicket‑keeper Ben Foakes, despite a modest run tally, boasts an extraordinary average of 127.50, underscoring the depth of talent across the divisions.
In summary, James Rew's candidacy for an England Test spot hinges on a combination of his continued run‑scoring, the willingness of Somerset to experiment with his batting position, and the strategic needs of the national team. If he can transition successfully to an opening role at the county level, he may provide England with a left‑handed option at the top of the order, potentially displacing a struggling Zak Crawley. Until then, the debate will continue on podcasts, in the press, and, most importantly, on the field where Rew must keep delivering the runs that have put him on the radar of the country's most senior cricket voices.