We are now approaching the one‑month mark of the 2026 County Championship, and the flood of big scores from a host of England Test hopefuls has done little to clarify the hierarchy at the top of the batting order. The situation remains fluid, with several players jockeying for a place in the side that will open the summer Test series against New Zealand on Sky Sports. The most scrutinised name is that of opener Zak Crawley. After a disappointing Ashes winter, his performances for Kent in Division Two have failed to convince anyone that he has turned a corner.
In the most recent match, Crawley managed 27 in the first innings and 31 in the second, both modest contributions in a heavy innings defeat to Worcestershire. His current Championship average sits at a meagre 19.66, with a highest score of just 31 from six innings. Unless he can produce a dramatic resurgence in the remaining fixtures of May, his prospects of retaining a Test berth look bleak. Across the other end of the opening pair, Ben Duckett has taken steps to reaffirm his credentials.
The Nottinghamshire left‑hander posted 93 in the first innings of a draw against Warwickshire, improving on an earlier half‑century and pushing his season average to 45.25. Duckett’s recent form, coupled with a more settled personal life after a turbulent stint in Australia, should reassure the selectors that he remains a viable option at the top.
However, he still has three county games left before the first Test, and consistency will be essential if he hopes to cement his place. Adding further intrigue to the selection picture are a handful of in‑form county batsmen who have been delivering headline‑making innings.
James Rew, the Somerset wicket‑keeper, has emerged as a prolific No 4, accumulating 337 runs at an astonishing 75.07 average in Division One – a tally only bested by current England keeper Jamie Smith. Rew’s surge has sparked debate about whether he should be slotted higher in the order, perhaps even opening, which would force a reshuffle of the established middle‑order comprising Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and captain Ben Stokes. Former England captain Michael Atherton has even suggested moving Bethell up to open and placing Rew at three, underscoring the seriousness of the conversation.
Emilio Gay has also been impossible to ignore. After a debut‑season 128 for Durham against Kent, he followed it up with a blistering 159 not out against Lancashire, guiding Durham to chase down 336 with eight wickets to spare. Gay now averages an eye‑popping 86 in Division Two and boasts a strike‑rate of 73.36, indicating a style that aligns well with head coach Brendon McCullum’s preference for aggressive, fast‑scoring cricket. His experience as a first‑class opener and his recent run‑making make him a strong candidate for a Test opening slot, especially if the selectors are looking to inject more tempo at the top.
Former England stalwarts Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence have also reminded everyone of their class. Both posted centuries – 101 and 125 respectively – in Surrey’s high‑scoring draw with Essex. Their resurgence could present England with additional top‑order depth, particularly if they can sustain this level of performance over the next few weeks. The spin department is equally unsettled.
Shoaib Bashir, who endured a barren Ashes tour and a disastrous 0‑113 spell for the England Lions against Australia A, appears to be regaining form at Derbyshire, claiming nine wickets in three Championship matches, including a four‑for against Lancashire. Yet many observers argue that a summer away from the international arena might be the best environment for him to rebuild confidence.
Rehan Ahmed, another highly touted spin prospect, has opted to skip the remaining County Championship fixtures and head to the IPL with the Delhi Capitals. While the experience of playing alongside Indian internationals like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel could be invaluable, it also means he forfeits three rounds of county cricket at a critical juncture in the selection race. Similarly, Will Jacks has chosen the IPL over his county duties with Surrey, leaving his future role in England’s spin attack uncertain. Veteran off‑spinner Jack Leach, who finished third in the wicket‑taking charts in the 2025 Championship, has started this campaign slowly, picking up just four wickets at an average of 46.75.
Former England all‑rounder Liam Dawson has also struggled, with six wickets at 49.00. The lack of a clear, in‑form spinner adds another layer of complexity for the England selectors, who must balance immediate performance with long‑term development. Overall, the next three rounds of the County Championship will be decisive. The fixtures scheduled between Friday 24 April and Monday 27 April feature several marquee match‑ups: Glamorgan versus Leicestershire at Cardiff, Warwickshire versus Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, Essex versus Surrey at The Oval, Sussex versus Yorkshire at Headingley, Gloucestershire versus Derbyshire at Derby, Durham versus Lancashire at Chester‑le‑Street, and Worcestershire versus Kent at New Road.
Performances in these games will likely tip the scales for many of the players discussed. In summary, England’s top‑order composition remains in flux. Zak Crawley’s low average and lack of big scores put his future in doubt, while Ben Duckett’s recent century‑plus innings have revived his claim.
Emilio Gay’s explosive run‑making and James Rew’s consistent high‑average performances have turned them into serious contenders for a Test spot. The resurgence of Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence adds depth, and the spin department faces a crossroads with Bashir, Ahmed and Jacks each pursuing different pathways.
As the county season progresses, the performances in the remaining matches will likely determine which of these players earn the coveted white‑ball caps for England’s summer Test campaign.