England's pool of Test hopefuls is a topic of constant debate, and recent discussions on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast have turned a spotlight on the young Somerset batsman James Rew. Both former captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain weighed in on Rew's impressive County Championship figures and the practical hurdles he faces breaking into a middle order that already appears settled with the likes of Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes.
At just 22, Rew is the second‑most prolific run‑getter in the domestic competition, trailing only Jamie Smith, and his form has ignited speculation that he could be thrust into the England Test side as an opener, potentially displacing under‑performing regulars such as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Atherton opened the conversation by acknowledging Rew's run‑scoring spree: "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 that any call‑up would hinge on whether England can find a slot for Rew at the top of the order, noting the delicate balance between Somerset’s own ambitions and the national team’s developmental needs. The former captain, who himself captained England at the age of 25, reiterated a long‑standing belief that a player must have experience opening for his county before being entrusted with the same role for the country. "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," Atherton explained. Hussain, who led England from 1999 to 2003, added a different angle. He referenced former Glamorgan cricketer‑turned‑journalist Steve James, who suggested that Rew should simply ask Somerset to promote him to the opening slot. "If he’s done so well at four, they could just turn to him and say, ‘we’ll do what’s best for us’, to be honest," Hussain said, before cautioning that Somerset might be reluctant to lose a key batsman to international duty.
He also highlighted the specialist nature of opening, implying that a smooth transition would require both the county and the England selectors to coordinate their plans. The statistical picture underscores Rew's credentials. In the current Championship campaign he has amassed 379 runs at an average of 75.80, second only to Jamie Smith’s 396 runs at a perfect 99.00. Other notable performers include Tom Abell (337 runs, 56.16), Joe Clarke (273 runs, 68.25) and Oliver Cox (266 runs, 88.66).
These numbers illustrate that Rew is not merely a flash in the pan; he consistently scores heavily and does so with a blend of timing, placement and a willingness to play late, traits that are prized in the longer format. Beyond the opening dilemma, the podcast touched on a broader set of emerging talents that could shape England’s future. Atherton highlighted a handful of 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 who appears lively and wicket‑taking, and Henry Crocombe of Sussex, described as an improving young paceman. Sam Cook, despite a modest showing at Edgbaston where he failed to take a wicket in the first innings, was praised for his potential.
"He’s 28, should be in his prime for two or three years and knocking on the door with wickets," Atherton asserted, positioning Cook as a contender alongside established names such as Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher. The conversation also revisited the role of veteran James Anderson, who continues to dominate Division Two with a prolific haul of wickets for Lancashire, reinforcing the idea that experience still matters even as England looks to inject fresh blood.
For Rew, the path to a Test debut likely hinges on a few key scenarios. First, Somerset would need to promote him to the opening position, giving him regular exposure at the top of the innings and allowing him to develop the specific techniques required against the new ball – a skill set that differs markedly from batting at number four.
Second, England would have to decide whether to reshuffle the current top order for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4. If Zak Crawley is deemed out of form and Ben Duckett remains on the fringes, a case could be made for inserting a young, in‑form opener. However, any such move would also affect the balance of the middle order, potentially displacing Jacob Bethell or even forcing Joe Root to shift down the line, a prospect that both players and selectors would need to weigh carefully. The broader strategic question is whether England should prioritize immediate results or invest in a longer‑term plan that nurtures players like Rew.
Historically, England has occasionally taken a gamble on untested openers – Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart both opened at various points in their careers – but those experiments have produced mixed outcomes. The modern game, with its emphasis on aggressive batting and high‑velocity pace attacks, may demand a more specialized approach, making the decision even more complex.
In summary, James Rew stands out as the most prolific run‑scorer in the County Championship after Jamie Smith, and his left‑handed elegance has drawn the attention of two of England’s most respected former captains. While the middle order appears set, the opening slot remains a potential gateway for the 22‑year‑old. Whether Somerset will adjust their batting order and whether England will seize the opportunity to test Rew at Lord’s are questions that will likely be answered in the weeks leading up to the New Zealand series. For now, Rew continues to pile runs, sharpen his technique, and wait for the moment when the national selectors decide that his time has finally arrived.