The conversation about who might earn a place in England's Test side has intensified, with former captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain weighing in on the meteoric rise of James Rew in the County Championship. Rew, a 22‑year‑old left‑handed batsman, currently tops the domestic run‑scoring charts, second only to Jamie Smith, and his prolific form has sparked a lively debate about whether he could break into an England middle order that already appears firmly set with Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes. At present, the most plausible pathway for Rew seems to be an opening role for Somerset.
The county side is looking to address the under‑performance of its current openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, and a promotion for Rew could give him the platform to showcase his technique against the new‑ball bowlers that England would face in a Test environment. If Rew were to receive a call‑up, England’s selectors would face a tactical puzzle: how to accommodate a top‑order specialist when the first Test of the summer – against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4 – is already slated to feature a settled batting order. Atherton, speaking on the latest Sky Sports Cricket podcast, highlighted the paradox. “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 said. He added that the decision would hinge on a delicate balance between Somerset’s needs and England’s long‑term development plans.
Hussain, who captained England from 1999 to 2003, echoed similar concerns. He referenced former Glamorgan player‑turned‑writer Steve James, who suggested that Rew should press Somerset to give him an opening slot.
“If they start losing players to England, they have to think about the specialist nature of opening,” Hussain noted. He also recalled past experiments, such as Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart opening for England, and the less successful stint of Dan Lawrence in the top order, underscoring that the role demands a particular skill set. The statistical backdrop is compelling.
Jamie Smith leads the championship with 396 runs at an average of 99.00, while Rew sits just behind with 379 runs at 75.80. Other notable performers 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 talent vying for national attention and reinforce why selectors must be meticulous.
Beyond the batting conundrum, Atherton used the platform to spotlight a handful of emerging bowlers. He praised Sonny Baker for his pace and wicket‑taking ability, and highlighted Sussex’s Henry Crocombe as a promising fast bowler.
Sam Cook also received a nod despite a modest showing at Edgbaston; Atherton argued that a single off‑day should not define a bowler’s prospects, especially when competition from the likes of Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher is fierce. The veteran also lauded Jimmy Anderson’s leadership of Lancashire’s Division Two attack, noting the veteran’s continued wicket‑taking prowess. The broader context is England’s home summer schedule, which kicks off with a three‑Test series against New Zealand. The series will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and for those without a subscription, the matches can be streamed contract‑free on NOW.
The stakes are high: England will be looking to cement a strong start to the season, and the selection of a dynamic opening pair could set the tone. In practical terms, the pathway for Rew may involve a few scenarios.
One possibility is that Somerset promotes him to opener, allowing him to accumulate experience against the new ball while retaining his natural batting position at three or four for England. Another is that England reshuffles the existing order, perhaps moving Jacob Bethell up to open and sliding Rew into the No 3 slot, though this would require Joe Root to remain at four – a move Root has historically resisted. Atherton stressed that any candidate for the top three must have proven themselves in that specific role at county level, arguing that “you have to be batting in the top three for your county to open for the national team.” The discussion also touched on the psychological aspect for young players.
“If you’re a young kid looking at where you’re going to get into the England side, everybody has ambitions and wants to play at the highest level. There’s only one place at the moment, isn’t there? And that’s at the top of the order,” Atherton said, underscoring the pressure on emerging talent to seize limited opportunities.
Ultimately, the decision will hinge on a combination of form, adaptability, and the strategic vision of England’s coaching staff. Rew’s prolific run‑making suggests he has the temperament for the longer format, but the transition from county to Test cricket involves more than just numbers; it demands technical proficiency against high‑quality pace, mental resilience, and the ability to negotiate the unique pressures of an opening partnership. As the County Championship progresses toward its climax, both Atherton and Hussain will continue to monitor performances closely. Their insights, coupled with the data from the championship tables and live broadcasts on Sky Sports, will shape the narrative around England’s next generation of Test cricketers.
Whether James Rew ultimately cracks the opening slot or finds another pathway into the side, his story epitomises the excitement and uncertainty that surrounds England’s search for fresh talent ahead of the New Zealand series and beyond.