England's pool of Test hopefuls has become a hot topic, especially after Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain weighed in on James Rew's recent surge in the County Championship. Rew, a 22‑year‑old left‑handed batsman, is currently the second‑most prolific run‑getter in the domestic circuit, trailing only Jamie Smith.
His form has sparked a lively debate about whether he could break into the England side, particularly as the senior middle‑order appears firmly entrenched with Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes all holding down regular places. At present, the most realistic pathway for Rew seems to be an opening slot for Somerset.
If Somerset were to promote him to the top of the order, it could create a viable alternative to the struggling opening pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who have both faced criticism for their recent performances. By opening for his county, Rew would demonstrate the specific skill set that England selectors look for in an opener—technique against the new ball, the ability to see off the early swing, and the temperament to build long innings.
Atherton, speaking on the latest episode of the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, praised Rew’s run‑making but highlighted the bottleneck in the England middle‑order. “James Rew is getting lots of runs and playing really well,” he said, “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 added that the decision would hinge on balancing Somerset’s own needs with England’s long‑term development plans, a classic tension in modern cricket administration.
Hussain, a former England captain, echoed the sentiment and added his own perspective. He referenced a comment from former Glamorgan player‑turned‑journalist Steve James, who suggested that Rew should be knocking on Somerset’s door to request an opening role.
“If he’s done so well at four, they could just turn to him and say, ‘we’ll do what’s best for us’, to be honest,” Hussain said. He also warned that if Somerset starts losing players to the national side, they will need to manage their squad depth carefully, especially because opening is a specialist position that demands a particular mindset and technique. The conversation then drifted to the broader landscape of the County Championship.
The latest tables show that Somerset are in a competitive position, but they must keep an eye on the emerging talent across the divisions. Atherton pointed out that a player must be batting in the top three for his county before England will consider him for an opening role at the international level.
“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,” he explained. The statistical snapshot underscores Rew’s credentials: 379 runs at an average of 75.80, second only to Jamie Smith’s 396 runs at 99.00. Other notable performers include Tom Abell (337 runs, 56.16), Joe Clarke (273 runs, 68.25) and Oliver Cox (266 runs, 88.66). These figures illustrate the depth of batting talent in the Championship and the fine margins that separate a county regular from a potential England call‑up.
Beyond the batting discussion, Atherton also highlighted a few bowlers who have caught his eye ahead of the upcoming Surrey vs Essex match on Sky Sports Cricket. He mentioned Sonny Baker, a quick‑bowling prospect, and Henry Crocombe from Sussex, describing the latter as an improving young fast bowler.
Sam Cook, despite a quiet performance at Edgbaston, was praised for his underlying ability and potential to become a regular fixture in the England side, especially when compared with contemporaries like Ollie Robinson and Matt Fisher. The broader context is the upcoming home summer for England, which kicks off with a three‑Test series against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4. The selection panel will have to decide whether to retain the current opening duo or to inject fresh blood like Rew, who could bring a left‑handed contrast and a proven record against the moving ball in English conditions. If Rew does earn a call‑up, England will face a selection puzzle: where to slot him—opening, or perhaps a flexible top‑order position that could see him bat at three while still preserving the established order.
In summary, James Rew’s case for England hinges on three key factors: sustained performance at the top of the county order, the willingness of Somerset to promote him to opener, and the national side’s need for a left‑handed opening partner. With the middle‑order effectively sealed and the opening spots under scrutiny, Rew’s prolific run‑making makes a compelling argument. Whether he can translate his county success into the pressure of Test cricket remains to be seen, but the conversation among former captains, pundits and selectors suggests that his name will be in the mix as England prepares for the New Zealand series and the rest of the summer schedule.