As the County Championship moves into its fourth week, the contest for England's opening slots remains anything but settled. A string of big scores from several Test hopefuls has added layers of complexity to the selection picture, and the performances this month could prove decisive for the summer Test series against New Zealand. Zak Crawley, the embattled opener who struggled during the Ashes, has yet to find his footing in Division Two with Kent. In the most recent match, a heavy innings defeat to Worcestershire, Crawley managed only 27 and 31, leaving his average at a modest 19.66 after six innings.
The numbers, coupled with his low confidence after a disappointing winter, have many pundits questioning whether he can reclaim his place without a dramatic turnaround in form during May. Ben Duckett, the other England opener, appears to be on a more promising trajectory.
After a turbulent stint in Australia that was marred by off‑field distractions, Duckett produced a commanding 93 for Nottinghamshire in a draw against Warwickshire. That innings lifted his season average to 45.25 and suggests he may still be the preferred choice for the top of the order, provided he can sustain this level across Nottinghamshire's remaining fixtures before the first Test. Beyond the established openers, a wave of in‑form county batsmen is making a strong case for inclusion.
James Rew, Somerset's wicket‑keeper‑batter, has been a revelation at number four, accumulating 337 runs at an astonishing 75.07 in Division One – a figure only surpassed by England’s current keeper Jamie Smith. Rew’s consistency has sparked debate about whether he should be drafted into the national side, perhaps even as an opener, despite his lack of experience in that role. Emilio Gay has also turned heads.
After a debut‑match double‑hundred of 128 for Durham against Kent, Gay followed it up with an unbeaten 159 against Lancashire, steering Durham to a successful chase of 336 runs. His current average of 86 in Division Two, combined with a rapid strike‑rate of 73.36, aligns well with the aggressive batting philosophy championed by England head coach Brendon McCullum. Gay’s blend of power and temperament makes him a compelling candidate for a top‑order slot.
Former England stalwarts Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence have reminded selectors of their class with centuries for Surrey in a high‑scoring draw against Essex – 101 and 125 respectively. Should they maintain this form, they could provide valuable depth and experience, potentially easing the pressure on the younger prospects. The spinner’s berth is equally contested. Shoaib Bashir, who failed to break into the Ashes squad and endured a dismal 0‑113 spell for the England Lions, is rediscovering his rhythm with Derbyshire, claiming nine wickets in three Championship matches, including a four‑for against Lancashire.
While his resurgence is encouraging, many argue that a season away from international duties might be essential for his development. Rehan Ahmed, the 21‑year‑old spin‑bowling prospect who has impressed with six wickets for Leicestershire, opted to skip the remaining County Championship fixtures to join the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
This decision places him in direct competition with Indian internationals Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, potentially limiting his playing time ahead of the England summer. Similarly, Will Jacks has chosen the IPL over Surrey’s campaign, leaving his county contributions uncertain. Veteran off‑spinner Jack Leach, the third‑most successful wicket‑taker in the 2025 Championship, has started this season slowly, picking up four wickets at an average of 46.75.
Liam Dawson, another former England player, mirrors this modest start with six wickets at 49.00. The lack of standout spin options underscores the selection dilemma. The upcoming three rounds of the Championship will be pivotal.
A quick recap of recent results illustrates the depth of talent on display: - At Cardiff, Glamorgan posted 440 and 137‑2, drawing with Leicestershire’s 586‑7 declared. - At Trent Bridge, Warwickshire’s 459 (including a 165 from Barnard) led to a draw with Nottinghamshire’s 279 and 537‑7 declared, featuring Duckett’s 93. - At the Oval, Essex’s 409 and 302‑2 declared drew with Surrey’s 472, highlighted by Lawrence’s 125 and Sibley’s 101.
- At Headingley, Sussex’s 502 and 324‑8 declared matched Yorkshire’s 511, with contributions from Root and Bean. - At Derby, Gloucestershire’s 498 and a rapid chase secured a ten‑wicket win over Derbyshire. - In Chester‑le‑Stree t, Durham’s 295 and 336‑2 (Gay 159*) beat Lancashire’s 370, showcasing Gay’s match‑winning innings. - At New Road, Worcestershire’s 447 forced an innings defeat of Kent.
These performances, coupled with the looming New Zealand series, mean that every run, wicket, and partnership could tip the scales for the England selectors. Whether the inclusion of emerging talents like Rew, Gay, or Duckett will strengthen the side, or whether a reshuffle of the middle order will be required, remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the county circuit will continue to serve as the crucible in which England’s next Test lineup is forged, and the next few weeks will be decisive for all those hoping to wear the white rose on the field.