The conversation about who might earn a place in England's Test side has turned to the young left‑handed batsman James Rew, a standout performer in the County Championship. In a recent Sky Sports Cricket podcast, former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain examined Rew's credentials and the practical hurdles he faces on the road to a Test debut. Rew, only 22, has been the most prolific run‑getter in the domestic competition this season, trailing just behind Jamie Smith in total runs.
His tally of 379 runs at an average of 75.80 underlines a consistency that is rare for someone of his age. Yet, despite those numbers, the England middle order appears largely set.
The current hierarchy includes Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, all of whom have cemented their places through experience and recent performances. Consequently, the most realistic pathway for Rew to break into the Test XI may be as an opener for Somerset, a role that could free up space for England’s struggling openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Atherton opened the discussion by acknowledging Rew's run‑scoring form: "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 a county’s needs and England’s developmental goals, noting that any decision to promote Rew would have to consider Somerset’s own ambitions as well as the national team’s requirements. Hussain, who captained England from 1999 to 2003, added another layer to the debate. He cited former Glamorgan player‑turned‑journalist Steve James, who suggested that Rew should be asked to open for Somerset. "If he's done so well at four, then they could just turn to him and say, 'we'll do what's best for us', to be honest," Hussain said.
He also highlighted the specialist nature of opening in Test cricket, warning that Somerset could lose a valuable player to the national side if they do not manage the situation carefully. Both former captains explored possible reshuffles within England’s top order.
Hussain wondered whether moving Bethell up to open and slotting Rew at number three might be viable, but he recognised that Joe Root is unlikely to relinquish the number‑four position. Atherton reinforced the notion that a player must be accustomed to batting in the top three for his county before being considered for an opening slot in the England team. He referenced past experiments, such as Dan Lawrence’s brief stint at three, which did not yield the desired results, and pointed out that even seasoned openers like Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart have navigated the transition successfully.
The statistical snapshot of the championship further illustrates Rew’s standing. Jamie Smith leads with 396 runs at a staggering 99.00 average, followed closely by Rew’s 379 runs at 75.80. Other notable performers include Tom Abell (337 runs, 56.16), Joe Clarke (273 runs, 68.25), Oliver Cox (266 runs, 88.66) and Ben Foakes (255 runs, an extraordinary 127.50).
These figures underscore the depth of talent vying for limited Test spots and the tough selection decisions England’s coaches face. Beyond the batting conversation, Atherton used the podcast to highlight several emerging bowlers who have caught his eye.
He praised Sonny Baker for his pace and wicket‑taking ability, and noted the progress of Sussex’s Henry Crocombe, a promising young fast bowler. Sam Cook also received a mention; despite a quiet outing at Edgbaston where he did not claim a wicket, Atherton believes Cook’s underlying skill set merits further opportunities.
He compared Cook’s prospects with those of established England seamers Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher, suggesting that at 28, Cook is entering his prime and could soon be knocking on the door of regular Test selection. Additionally, the veteran James Anderson, playing in Division Two, continues to lead the wicket‑taking charts for Lancashire, demonstrating that experience still holds significant value in the county circuit.
The broader context of the upcoming summer series adds urgency to these discussions. England is set to host New Zealand for a three‑Test series beginning on 4 June at Lord’s, followed by a packed home schedule that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The stakes are high, and the selectors will be looking for players who can not only score runs but also adapt to the pressures of international cricket. For Rew, the key question remains: can he translate his county dominance into a successful opening partnership at the Test level?
If Rew does earn a call‑up, England will face a logistical puzzle. Should he be slotted at number three, the team would need to reshuffle the existing middle order, potentially displacing a senior player. Alternatively, positioning him as an opener would require either Crawley or Duckett to step aside, a move that could spark debate among fans and pundits alike.
The decision will hinge on a combination of factors: Rew’s ability to handle the new ball, his technique against high‑quality swing and seam, and his mental resilience in the face of intense scrutiny. In summary, James Rew’s prolific run‑scoring has placed him firmly on the radar of England’s selection panel, but the pathway to a Test debut is anything but straightforward. With the middle order locked, the opening slots present the most plausible avenue, yet they come with their own set of challenges and strategic considerations. As the County Championship progresses and the summer international calendar looms, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see whether Rew can convert his domestic success into a lasting role on the world stage.