The conversation about who might earn a place in England's Test side has been heating up, with former captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain weighing in on the performances of James Rew in the County Championship. Rew, a 22‑year‑old left‑handed batsman, currently tops the run‑scoring charts in the domestic competition, second only to Jamie Smith. His prolific form has sparked speculation that he could be on the brink of a national call‑up, but the pathway to the England XI is anything but straightforward.
England’s current middle order appears firmly entrenched. Established names such as Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes have all cemented their places, leaving little room for newcomers in the heart of the batting line‑up.
Consequently, the most realistic avenue for Rew is to push for an opening slot, either for Somerset or, eventually, for England. By opening the innings, he could provide a direct challenge to the struggling top‑order pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who have both faced criticism for their recent performances. During a recent episode of the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, Atherton highlighted the dilemma.
He praised Rew’s run‑making ability, noting that the youngster is “getting lots of runs and playing really well.” However, Atherton also stressed that the middle order is essentially locked up, meaning a debut would almost certainly have to come as an opener. “You’re not going to get in the middle order,” he said. “So opening the batting, I think there’s going to be a vacancy there because I don’t see Crawley getting picked.” Atherton went on to discuss the delicate balance between county ambitions and national needs. He warned that Somerset might be reluctant to sacrifice a key batsman for the sake of England, especially if it jeopardises their own Championship campaign.
Yet he also argued that a player who consistently scores at the top of the table deserves a chance to prove himself on the international stage. Hussain, who captained England from 1999 to 2003, echoed many of these points but added his own perspective. He quoted former Glamorgan cricketer‑turned‑writer Steve James, who suggested that Rew should be knocking on Somerset’s door to request an opening role. Hussain agreed, saying that if Rew continues to dominate at number four, Somerset might be persuaded to move him up the order for the greater good of both the county and the national side.
“Opening is a specialist position,” he remarked, acknowledging the tactical nuances involved. The former skipper also reflected on historical precedents. He cited Mark Butcher, who famously opened for England despite spending much of his career in the middle order, and Alec Stewart, who occasionally shifted positions to suit team requirements.
Hussain noted that England have previously experimented with Dan Lawrence as an opener, a move that ultimately did not work out, but it demonstrates that the board is willing to try unconventional solutions when the talent is evident. Both Atherton and Hussain agreed that the crux of the matter lies in Rew’s placement within the top three for his county side.
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.” In other words, a player who consistently opens for his county is far more likely to be considered for an opening role in the England Test XI. Statistically, Rew’s numbers are compelling. He has amassed 379 runs at an average of 75.80, trailing only Jamie Smith’s 396 runs at a flawless 99.00.
Other notable performers in the Championship include Tom Abell (337 runs, 56.16), Joe Clarke (273 runs, 68.25) and Oliver Cox (266 runs, 88.66). These figures illustrate the depth of batting talent currently available, but Rew’s combination of youth, left‑handedness and consistency makes him a particularly intriguing prospect. Beyond the batting discussion, Atherton also highlighted several bowlers who have caught his eye ahead of the upcoming Surrey versus Essex clash, which will be streamed live on Sky Sports Cricket. He mentioned Sonny Baker, a quick bowler showing promise, and Henry Crocombe of Sussex, an emerging fast‑bowling talent.
Sam Cook, despite a modest showing at Edgbaston, was praised for his potential and described as a bowler who should not be dismissed after a single off‑day. Atherton believes Cook, now 28, is entering his prime and could soon be knocking on the door of England selection alongside established names like Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher. The broader context of the upcoming home summer is also important. England are set to host New Zealand for a three‑Test series starting on 4 June at Lord’s, with the first match likely to be the stage for any new entrants.
If Rew earns a call‑up, the selectors will face a tactical puzzle: where to slot a prolific left‑hander without disrupting the existing top order. The conversation on the podcast hinted that the most plausible solution would be to place him at number three or even at the very top, provided he gains sufficient experience opening for Somerset. In summary, James Rew’s impressive run‑scoring in the County Championship has placed him firmly in the conversation about England’s future Test batting line‑up. With the middle order effectively locked, his best route to international cricket appears to be through an opening role, either at the county level or directly for England.
Both Atherton and Hussain acknowledge the challenges but also recognise the merit in giving a young, high‑performing player a chance. As the season progresses and Somerset decide whether to promote Rew up the order, England’s selectors will be watching closely, ready to make a decision that could reshape the top of the English Test batting order.