The County Championship is now approaching the one‑month mark, and the race for England's top‑order slots is showing no signs of easing. A flood of big scores from a range of Test‑hopefuls has only added to the uncertainty surrounding who will ultimately secure a place in the national side. One of the most scrutinised names is opening batsman Zak Crawley.
After a difficult Ashes campaign, Crawley has struggled to find form in Division Two with Kent. In the most recent match, a heavy innings defeat to Worcestershire, he managed only 27 and 31, leaving his average at a modest 19.66 across six innings. Those numbers have intensified the debate about his future in the England squad, especially with the first Test of the summer looming against New Zealand.
On the opposite side of the opening partnership, Ben Duckett has shown signs of resurgence. The Nottinghamshire opener posted a polished 93 in the first innings of a draw against Warwickshire, improving on his earlier half‑century and nudging his season average up to 45.25.
Duckett’s recent form, combined with a more settled off‑field situation after a turbulent stint in Australia, could persuade the selectors that he remains a viable option for the top of the order. However, he still has three county fixtures left before the England team takes the field, and consistency will be key. Beyond the established openers, a group of in‑form county players are knocking at the door. Somerset wicket‑keeper James Rew has been a revelation at the No 4 position, compiling 337 runs at an astonishing 75.07 in Division One – a figure only bested by England’s current keeper Jamie Smith.
Rew’s versatility and high strike‑rate make him an attractive candidate for any slot in the batting line‑up, though he has never opened at the professional level. His rise has sparked speculation about whether he could displace a regular like Jacob Bethell or even be promoted ahead of more senior players.
Emilio Gay is another name generating buzz. After a debut‑season century of 128 for Durham against Kent, Gay followed it with a blistering unbeaten 159 against Lancashire, steering Durham to a successful chase of 336 runs. His average now sits around 86, and his strike‑rate of 73.36 aligns with the aggressive style favoured by England head coach Brendon McCullum. Gay’s experience as a first‑class opener and his ability to dominate bowlers could see him thrust into the England side if he maintains this momentum.
Former England internationals Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence have also reminded the selectors of their quality. Both posted centuries – 101 and 125 respectively – in Surrey’s high‑scoring draw with Essex.
Their performances suggest they could provide depth and flexibility to the top order, especially if they continue to produce big scores. The spinner’s spot is equally contested. Shoaib Bashir, who struggled to break into the England side after a barren Ashes tour, is now finding wickets for Derbyshire, taking nine scalps in three Championship games, including a four‑for against Lancashire. While his county form is encouraging, many argue that a summer away from the international arena might be beneficial for his development.
Rehan Ahmed, once hailed as a future England spinner, has opted to skip the remainder of the domestic season to join the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. At 21, Ahmed boasts six wickets for Leicestershire and a respectable batting pedigree, but his decision to play abroad means he will miss three rounds of the County Championship – a potential disadvantage when the selectors assess form and fitness. Will Jacks faces a similar dilemma, having chosen the IPL over his Surrey commitments. While his batting across formats remains solid, his recent struggles with the ball in Australia cast doubt on his viability as a frontline spinner for England.
Veteran left‑arm spinner Jack Leach, the third‑most successful wicket‑taker in the 2025 Championship, has started this campaign slowly, picking up only four wickets at an average of 46.75. Fellow former international Liam Dawson has also had a muted start, with six wickets at 49.00. The lack of standout spin options adds another layer of complexity for the England selectors as they prepare for the summer Test series. The upcoming County Championship fixtures could be decisive.
A series of high‑profile matches are scheduled between 24 April and 27 April, featuring encounters such as: - Glamorgan vs Leicestershire at Cardiff, where Glamorgan posted 440 and 137‑2, while Leicestershire responded with 586‑7 declared. - Warwickshire vs Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, a draw after Warwickshire’s 459 and Nottinghamshire’s 279 and 537‑7 declared, highlighted by Duckett’s 93. - Essex vs Surrey at the Oval, another draw with Essex making 409 and 302‑2 declared, and Surrey replying with 472, featuring Lawrence’s 125 and Sibley’s 101.
- Sussex vs Yorkshire at Headingley, a high‑scoring draw with both sides surpassing the 500‑run mark. - Durham’s dominant chase against Lancashire at Chester‑le‑Street, where Gay’s unbeaten 159 powered Durham to an eight‑wicket victory.
These matches provide a platform for the hopefuls to cement their claims. Consistent run‑making, adaptability to different conditions, and the ability to perform under pressure will be the criteria selectors use to trim the squad down.
In summary, England’s top‑order picture remains fluid. While Crawley’s low average and recent failures put his future in doubt, Duckett’s resurgence, Gay’s explosive innings, and the emergence of players like Rew, Sibley, and Lawrence keep the competition fierce. The spinner’s role is equally contested, with Bashir, Ahmed, and Jacks all vying for a place, but each facing unique challenges regarding form and availability. As the County Championship progresses, the performances over the next few weeks will likely determine who dons the England whites for the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand.