England's pool of potential Test players is constantly evolving, and the latest discussion on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast highlighted the rising profile of Somerset’s 22‑year‑old left‑handed batsman James Rew. Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain weighed in on whether Rew’s prolific run‑scoring in the County Championship could translate into a place in the national side, especially given the current composition of England’s middle order. Rew has emerged as one of the most consistent scorers in the domestic circuit this season.
Only Jamie Smith has amassed more runs than him, with Rew sitting just behind at 379 runs at an impressive average of 75.80. His ability to accumulate runs across the top of the order has drawn the attention of selectors, but the path to a Test debut is anything but straightforward. England’s current middle‑order core—Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes—appears firmly entrenched, leaving limited room for a newcomer in those positions. Atherton, who captained England at the age of 25 and now serves as a seasoned pundit, argued that Rew’s most realistic route into the Test XI would be as an opener.
He noted, "The middle order is locked up. If you want a place, you have to look at opening.
Zak Crawley’s spot is under pressure, and Ben Duckett is also being considered, so an opening berth could open up for a player like Rew." Atherton stressed the importance of a player being accustomed to batting in the top three for his county if he hopes to be trusted at the top of the England order. "You need to be batting in the top three for your county before you can be asked to open for the national side," he said.
Hussain, who led England from 1999 to 2003, added a nuanced perspective on the balance between county needs and national ambitions. He referenced former Glamorgan player‑turned‑writer Steve James, who suggested that Somerset should consider promoting Rew to open the innings. Hussain warned, however, that Somerset might be reluctant to lose a key run‑maker to international duty. "Opening is a specialist position, and if Somerset starts losing players to England, they will have to weigh the impact on their own campaign," he explained.
The conversation also turned to the practicalities of reshuffling the current England lineup. Both pundits entertained the idea of moving Jacob Bethell up the order, perhaps to open, while slotting Rew at number three. Yet they acknowledged the complications: "Root is unlikely to move from number four, and any change would ripple through the entire batting order," Atherton observed.
Hussain recalled a previous experiment with Dan Lawrence in the middle order that did not succeed, underscoring the difficulty of finding the right combination. Beyond the batting debate, Atherton used the platform to highlight other emerging talents in the County Championship who could bolster England’s bowling attack. He praised Sussex’s young quick Henry Crocombe, Somerset’s Sonny Baker for his lively pace, and highlighted Sam Cook’s recent performances at Edgbaston, noting that a single off‑day should not define a bowler’s potential. "Cook is 28, entering his prime, and should be knocking on the door for a regular England place," Atherton asserted, adding that he competes with the likes of Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher for a spot.
The statistical snapshot provided on the podcast reinforced the case for Rew. While Jamie Smith leads with 396 runs at an average of 99.00, Rew’s 379 runs at 75.80 place him firmly among the elite.
Other notable performers include Tom Abell (337 runs, 56.16 average), Joe Clarke (273 runs, 68.25 average), Oliver Cox (266 runs, 88.66 average) and Ben Foakes (255 runs, 127.50 average). These figures illustrate the depth of batting talent across the divisions and the challenge selectors face in narrowing down a final squad. Looking ahead, England’s first home Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4 will be a crucial audition for any fringe player. If the selectors decide to experiment with the opening pair, Rew could find himself thrust into the spotlight.
However, the decision will hinge on a combination of factors: his continued form in the Championship, Somerset’s willingness to release him, and the strategic vision of England’s coaching staff regarding the balance between stability and fresh talent. In summary, James Rew’s case for a Test call‑up rests on three pillars: sustained high‑level performance in the County Championship, the availability of an opening slot in the England side, and the willingness of Somerset to accommodate his international aspirations. While the middle order remains saturated with established names, the opening position offers a plausible pathway.
As the season progresses, Rew’s ability to convert his domestic success into a compelling argument for England will be watched closely by both pundits and fans alike.