The County Championship is now approaching its fourth week, and the performances of England's Test hopefuls continue to fuel a heated debate over who should occupy the top‑order slots in the national side. While some established openers have struggled to make an impact, a wave of in‑form county batsmen is forcing the selectors to reconsider their options. Zak Crawley, who entered the season under a cloud of criticism after a disappointing Ashes series, has yet to find his footing with Kent in Division Two.
In the most recent match, a heavy innings defeat to Worcestershire, Crawley managed scores of 27 and 31 – figures that sit well below his career average and have left his future in the England squad looking increasingly doubtful. Over six innings this spring, his average sits at a modest 19.66, with a highest score of only 31, suggesting that unless he produces a dramatic turnaround in the coming weeks, his Test chances are slim. By contrast, Ben Duckett has used his stint with Nottinghamshire to reinforce his claim for a place in the Test XI. After a rocky start to his career overseas, Duckett posted a commanding 93 in the first innings of a draw against Warwickshire, lifting his season average to 45.25.
The innings demonstrated a blend of patience and aggression that the England selectors value, and it has helped to quiet some of the doubts that lingered after his off‑field controversies in Australia. Duckett now faces a crucial period of three more County Championship fixtures before the first Test against New Zealand, and consistent scores will be essential to cement his position. Adding further intrigue to the top‑order conversation is the emergence of younger talent. Emilio Gay, representing Durham in Division Two, has been nothing short of spectacular.
After an opening‑match double‑century (128) against Kent, Gay followed it up with an unbeaten 159 against Lancashire, guiding Durham to a successful chase of 336 runs. His current average hovers around 86, and his strike‑rate of 73.36 points to a player capable of scoring quickly – a quality that aligns with England head coach Brendon McCullum's preference for a more attacking batting style.
Gay's experience as a first‑class opener also makes him a viable candidate for the national side, especially if he can maintain this level of performance. Another name gaining momentum is Somerset wicket‑keeper James Rew. Although traditionally a middle‑order batsman, Rew has been promoted to the No 4 slot for all three of Somerset's matches this season, accumulating 337 runs at an impressive 75.07 average in Division One. Only England's current keeper Jamie Smith boasts a higher average, which puts Rew in a delicate position: he could either serve as a specialist batsman or challenge for the wicket‑keeping role.
Former England captain Michael Atherton highlighted this dilemma on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, suggesting that Rew might be shifted up the order, perhaps even opening, while moving regulars like Jacob Bethell down the line. Former England internationals Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence have also reminded the selectors of their class. Both posted centuries for Surrey in a high‑scoring draw against Essex – Sibley with 101 and Lawrence with 125 – indicating that they still possess the temperament required for Test cricket.
If they can sustain such form, they could provide valuable depth and experience, giving England additional flexibility in constructing a robust top‑order. The spin department is equally unsettled. Shoaib Bashir, once on the fringes of the England setup, has found a vein of form with Derbyshire, claiming nine wickets across three Championship games, including a four‑for against Lancashire.
Despite a disappointing Ashes tour and a zero‑run outing for the England Lions, Bashir's recent performances suggest he may be ready for another look, especially if the selectors opt for a spinner who can deliver in English conditions. Rehan Ahmed, another highly‑rated spin prospect, has taken a different route by heading to the Indian Premier League with the Delhi Capitals, thereby missing a crucial month of red‑ball cricket. While the IPL offers exposure to top‑class competition, it also means Ahmed forfeits valuable County Championship innings that could have bolstered his case for a Test spot.
The same applies to Will Jacks, who chose the IPL over his county commitments with Surrey; his batting prowess may keep him in contention for a middle‑order role, but his bowling credibility remains in question after a lackluster tour of Australia. Veteran off‑spinner Jack Leach, the third‑most‑successful wicket‑taker in the 2025 Championship, has started this season slowly, taking just four wickets at an average of 46.75. Fellow former England player Liam Dawson mirrors this trend with six wickets at 49.00. The dearth of standout spin options underscores the pressure on the remaining fixtures to produce decisive performances.
As England prepares to launch its summer Test series against New Zealand, the County Championship will act as the final proving ground for many hopefuls. The next three rounds could determine whether the selectors stick with the current incumbents or gamble on the rising talent that has been lighting up the domestic scene. Whether the inclusion of players like Rew, Gay, or Duckett will ultimately strengthen the side, or whether a reshuffle of the batting order will disrupt team balance, remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: the battle for England's top‑order positions is far from settled, and the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the composition of the squad for the crucial Test matches ahead.