The question on everyone’s mind this season is which county performers will earn a place in England’s Test side. Former captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain sat down on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast to weigh in on the burgeoning talent of James Rew and his chances of breaking into the national squad.
Rew has been a revelation in the County Championship, piling up runs at a rate that puts him second only to Jamie Smith in the current season. The 22‑year‑old left‑hander has already amassed 379 runs at an impressive 75.80 average, making him the most prolific run‑scorer among the younger cohort.
Yet, despite his statistics, the pathway to an England cap is anything but straightforward. England’s middle order appears firmly entrenched. The likes of Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes have all cemented their positions, leaving little room for a newcomer in the traditional number‑four or five slots. Consequently, the most realistic avenue for Rew is to audition as an opener for Somerset, thereby providing England with a potential solution to the current uncertainties surrounding Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, both of whom have struggled for consistency.
Atherton opened the discussion by acknowledging Rew’s 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 in the Championship.
Hussain, who captained England from 1999 to 2003, added a historical perspective. He quoted former Glamorgan player‑turned‑writer Steve James, who suggested that Rew should be knocking on Somerset’s door to request an opening slot. Hussain agreed, pointing out that opening the innings is a specialist role and that Somerset would need to weigh the risk of losing a prolific batsman to international duties.
"If they start losing players to England, that’s a factor we have to consider," he said. Both former captains explored various permutations for the top of the order.
Atherton recalled that England have previously experimented with moving established middle‑order players up the ladder – Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart both opened at times – but the results have been mixed. He cited the Dan Lawrence experiment as a cautionary tale: "They tried it with Dan Lawrence. It didn’t really work out, but you felt they were just keeping the seat warm there. I think you’ve got to be batting in the top three to be considered for an opening role at the national level." Hussain raised the possibility of reshuffling current England players.
"Could you move Bethell up to open and have Rew at three? The problem is obviously Root doesn’t want to move from four," he mused, highlighting the logistical challenges of accommodating a new talent without disrupting the existing hierarchy.
He also noted that Bethell, despite his occasional appearances at three, has never truly opened in first‑class cricket, making the proposition a significant gamble. The statistical snapshot underscores Rew’s credentials. Jamie Smith leads the charts with 396 runs at an average of 99.00, but Rew follows closely with 379 runs at 75.80.
Behind them are Tom Abell (337 runs, 56.16), Joe Clarke (273 runs, 68.25) and Oliver Cox (266 runs, 88.66). Even Ben Foakes, a seasoned England player, registers a lower aggregate (255 runs) but at a remarkable 127.50 average, reflecting his limited opportunities. Beyond the batting discussion, Atherton used the platform to highlight other emerging county talents who could bolster England’s future bowling stocks.
He praised Sonny Baker for his pace and vitality, and flagged Sussex youngster Henry Crocombe as an improving fast bowler. Sam Cook, despite a recent Test where he failed to take wickets, was defended by Atherton as a bowler with potential, especially when compared to contemporaries such as Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher. The veteran also lauded Jimmy Anderson, who continues to dominate Division Two with a prolific wicket haul for Lancashire. Looking ahead, the first Test of England’s home summer against New Zealand is slated for Lord’s on June 4.
If the selectors decide to give Rew a chance, they will have to decide whether to slot him into an opening partnership or devise a novel batting configuration. The decision will inevitably spark debate among fans and pundits alike, given the entrenched nature of the current order and the high stakes of a home series. In summary, James Rew’s case for England hinges on two main factors: his sustained run‑scoring in the County Championship and the willingness of both Somerset and the national selectors to experiment with the top of the order. With the middle order effectively locked, the opening slots present the most viable pathway.
Should Rew secure a regular opening role for Somerset and continue his prolific form, the door to the England Test XI could indeed swing open, offering the young left‑hander a chance to fulfill the promise that his early career statistics suggest.