The County Championship is now approaching the one‑month mark, 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. Opener Zak Crawley, who has been under intense scrutiny since his underwhelming Ashes showing, has yet to make a compelling case for himself in Division Two with Kent. In the latest match, a heavy innings defeat to Worcestershire, he managed only 27 and 31, leaving his average at a modest 19.66 after six innings.
Such numbers suggest that, unless he experiences a dramatic turnaround in form during May, his chances of retaining a place in the England Test side appear slim. By contrast, fellow opener Ben Duckett has taken a step forward. After a series of mixed performances, he posted a solid 93 in Nottinghamshire's draw against Warwickshire, raising his season average to 45.25.
This innings not only helped Nottinghamshire secure a respectable total but also reinforced Duckett’s claim to remain in the Test squad. The selectors will be watching closely as he has three more county fixtures before England’s first Test against New Zealand.
Adding further pressure to the established openers is the surge of in‑form county batsmen. James Rew, Somerset’s wicket‑keeper, has been a revelation at the No 4 slot, accumulating 337 runs at an astonishing 75.07 average in Division One – a figure eclipsed only by current England keeper Jamie Smith. Rew’s performances have sparked debate about whether he should be slotted into the England line‑up, perhaps even reshuffling the middle order that currently includes Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes. Former England captain Michael Atherton even mused on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast about moving Bethell up the order to accommodate Rew.
Emilio Gay has also entered the conversation in spectacular fashion. After a maiden double‑century of 128 for Durham against Kent, he followed it up with an unbeaten 159 against Lancashire, steering Durham to an eight‑wicket victory while chasing 336. Gay’s strike‑rate of 73.36 and his experience as a first‑class opener make him a compelling candidate for a fast‑paced England attack under head coach Brendon McCullum. His average of 86 in Division Two further underlines his consistency.
Former England internationals Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence have shown that they still possess the firepower to influence selection. In Surrey’s high‑scoring draw with Essex, Sibley compiled 101 and Lawrence 125, demonstrating that both could provide depth and flexibility to the top‑order should they sustain such performances. The spinner’s spot is equally contested. Shoaib Bashir, who struggled to break into the England side after a barren Ashes tour, has rediscovered form with Derbyshire, claiming nine wickets in three Championship games, including a four‑for against Lancashire.
Yet many observers believe his best chance lies in a summer away from international duties, allowing him to refine his craft. Rehan Ahmed, the 21‑year‑old left‑arm spinner who has been touted as a future England star, opted to miss the next month of red‑ball cricket to join the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
While this move offers exposure to high‑quality competition, it also means he forfeits three rounds of the County Championship – a potential disadvantage when selectors assess form and fitness. Similarly, Will Jacks has chosen the IPL over Surrey, leaving his place in the England bowling attack uncertain despite his strong batting credentials. Veteran spinner Jack Leach, who finished as the third‑highest wicket‑taker in the 2025 Championship, has started this campaign slowly, taking only four wickets at 46.75. Former England all‑rounder Liam Dawson mirrors this trend with six wickets at 49.00.
The dearth of standout spin options adds another layer of complexity to the selection puzzle. With just over a month remaining before England launch their summer Test series against New Zealand, the upcoming county fixtures will be decisive. Performances in the next three rounds could cement or overturn the current hierarchy, influencing who ultimately dons the England shirt. Recent results illustrate the competitive landscape: - Glamorgan posted 440 & 137‑2 (Tribe 67*) to draw with Leicestershire 586‑7 declared.
- Warwickshire made 459 (Barnard 165) and drew with Nottinghamshire, who replied 279 & 537‑7 declared (Duckett 93). - Essex’s 409 & 302‑2 declared (Westley 136) drew with Surrey’s 472 (Lawrence 125, Sibley 101).
- Sussex’s 502 & 324‑8 (Root 3‑67) drew with Yorkshire’s 511 (Bean 105). - Gloucestershire’s 498 & 39‑0 beat Derbyshire’s 281 & 252 by ten wickets.
- Durham’s 295 & 336‑2 (Gay 159*) overcame Lancashire’s 370 (Harris 146) by eight wickets. - Worcestershire’s 447 defeated Kent’s two‑innings total by an innings and two runs. These matches underscore the depth of talent across the counties and highlight why the England selectors face a daunting task.
Whether they opt for the seasoned campaigners, the emerging county stars, or a blend of both will shape England’s batting and bowling strategies for the forthcoming Test season.