The conversation around England’s future Test line‑up has intensified as the County Championship unfolds, with former captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain weighing in on the rising profile of Somerset’s 22‑year‑old left‑hander James Rew. Rew has emerged as the most prolific run‑getter in the domestic competition, second only to Jamie Smith, and his torrid scoring spree has sparked debate about whether he deserves a place in the national side.
At the same time, England’s current middle order appears firmly entrenched, featuring the likes of Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, leaving the young Somerset batsman with limited pathways to a Test debut. ### The Current Landscape of England’s Test Batting England’s senior Test side has settled into a relatively stable batting order. Jacob Bethell, who broke into the side as a teenager, has cemented his spot at number 3, while veteran Joe Root continues to anchor the innings at number 4. Harry Brook and all‑rounder Ben Stokes occupy the lower middle‑order positions, providing both stability and aggressive intent.
This configuration leaves little room for newcomers, especially those who specialize in the middle order. Consequently, the most realistic route for Rew would be to reinvent himself as an opener for Somerset, thereby creating a potential opening slot for England and challenging the current incumbents, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who have both struggled for consistency this season. ### Rew’s County Championship Credentials Rew’s statistics speak for themselves.
In the current season he has amassed 379 runs at an impressive average of 75.80, trailing only Jamie Smith’s 396 runs at a 99.00 average. His ability to compile big scores, rotate the strike efficiently, and play late with the ball has drawn praise from pundits and former players alike. The left‑hander’s technique against both pace and spin, his composure under pressure, and his knack for building innings from the ground up make him a compelling candidate for higher honours.
Atherton, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, highlighted the paradox facing Rew: "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." ### The Opening Conundrum Opening the Test innings is a specialist role that demands a blend of technique, temperament, and the ability to negotiate the new ball. Historically, England has rotated several players through this position, but recent years have seen a degree of instability. With Zak Crawley’s form wavering and Ben Duckett yet to deliver a breakthrough performance, the selectors may be inclined to experiment.
Rew’s success as an opener for Somerset could provide the necessary evidence to merit a trial at Lord’s for the first Test against New Zealand on June 4. Hussain added nuance to the discussion, noting the delicate balance between county ambitions and national requirements: "That’s the other thing we have to factor in with Somerset is if they start losing players to England. I do think opening is a specialist position." ### Potential Scenarios for Selection 1. **Rew Opens for Somerset, Then England** – If Somerset persists with Rew at number 3 or moves him to the opening slot, his performances against quality county attacks will be scrutinised.
Consistent scores above 50, especially against swing‑friendly conditions, could fast‑track him to the England bench. 2. **Bethell Shifted Up the Order** – Some have suggested moving Jacob Bethell up to open, allowing Rew to slot in at number 3.
However, this would displace Root, who is unlikely to relinquish his preferred position. The logistics of such a reshuffle remain complex. 3.
**Dual Role as Opener and Middle‑Order Backup** – England could keep Rew in the squad as a flexible option, using him as an opener in the first innings and a middle‑order reinforcement if required. This mirrors past strategies where players like Jonny Bairstow have toggled between roles. ### Broader County Championship Context The County Championship continues to produce a wealth of talent beyond Rew. Atherton highlighted several other prospects during a recent preview of the Surrey vs Essex clash.
Fast‑bowler Sonny Baker has been praised for his pace and wicket‑taking ability, while Sussex’s Henry Crocombe is emerging as a promising seamer. Sam Cook, despite a quiet showing in his recent Test debut, remains a strong candidate for future selection, especially given his age (28) and the expectation that he will enter his prime over the next few years.
Atherton also mentioned the enduring success of veteran bowler James Anderson, who continues to dominate the Division Two charts with a prolific haul of wickets for Lancashire. These performances underscore the depth of England’s talent pool and the competitive nature of earning a Test cap.
### The Path Forward for James Rew For Rew, the immediate priority is to cement his place as an opener for Somerset. By consistently providing solid starts, handling the new ball, and converting starts into substantial innings, he can make a compelling case to the England selectors. Moreover, demonstrating adaptability—such as the ability to bat at three or four if required—will enhance his appeal. Atherton summed up the dilemma succinctly: "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." ### Conclusion James Rew stands at a crossroads. His extraordinary run‑scoring in the County Championship has thrust him into the national conversation, yet England’s entrenched middle order limits his immediate opportunities.
The most viable route appears to be through the opening position, either by taking the role at Somerset or by prompting the England selectors to experiment ahead of the New Zealand series. As the County Championship progresses and Rew continues to amass runs, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if the young left‑hander can translate domestic dominance into a Test debut. The upcoming series against New Zealand, beginning on June 4 at Lord’s, will be a litmus test for England’s selection strategy.
Whether Rew will be among the names called up remains uncertain, but his performances this season suggest that a place in the England Test side is not merely a distant dream—it is an increasingly realistic possibility.