The County Championship is now approaching the one‑month mark, and the flood of big scores from England's Test hopefuls has done little to clarify the hierarchy of the national side's opening partnership. Zak Crawley, the embattled opener, has struggled to find form in Division Two with Kent, managing only 27 and 31 in a heavy innings defeat to Worcestershire. His low scores have only added to the chorus of criticism that has followed his under‑whelming Ashes performances earlier this year. In contrast, Ben Duckett, the other regular opener, has taken a step forward.
After a modest first‑innings half‑century, he produced a polished 93 for Nottinghamshire in their draw against Warwickshire, nudging his season average up to 45.25. That innings not only reinforced his claim to a Test berth but also demonstrated that he can still deliver when the stakes are high.
Duckett now faces three more county fixtures before England's opening Test against New Zealand, and consistent runs in those matches will be essential if he hopes to cement his place. While Crawley and Duckett remain the headline names, a cohort of in‑form county batsmen is pressing hard for attention. Somerset's wicket‑keeper James Rew has been a revelation at the No 4 slot, compiling 337 runs at an astonishing 75.07 average in Division One – a figure only eclipsed by current England keeper Jamie Smith. Rew’s consistency has sparked debate about whether he should be slotted into the England middle order, despite his lack of experience as an opener.
His performances have drawn praise from former England captain Michael Atherton, who suggested that a reshuffle could see Rew at three and possibly move Jacob Bethell up the order. Emilio Gay, meanwhile, has been a standout for Durham in Division Two. After a debut‑match double‑hundred of 128 against Kent, Gay followed it with a blistering unbeaten 159 versus Lancashire, guiding Durham to an eight‑wicket chase of 336. His current average of 86 and a strike‑rate of 73.36 indicate a player who can combine the patience required for first‑class cricket with the aggressive intent favoured by England head coach Brendon McCullum.
Should Gay maintain this form, he could become a viable option either as an opener or as a dynamic No 3. Former England internationals Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence have also resurfaced with substantial contributions for Surrey. In a high‑scoring draw against Essex, Sibley posted 101 while Lawrence compiled a commanding 125.
Their resurgence adds depth to the pool of potential top‑order selections, giving England a broader menu of experienced batsmen should the current openers falter. The spinner’s slot in the Test side remains equally contentious.
Shoaib Bashir, who struggled to break into the England setup after a barren Ashes tour and a 0‑113 spell for the Lions against Australia A, appears to be rediscovering his rhythm at Derbyshire. He has claimed nine wickets in three Championship matches, including a four‑for against Lancashire, suggesting he could be a late‑season surprise. However, many observers argue that a stint abroad might benefit him more than continued county cricket.
Rehan Ahmed, the 21‑year‑old left‑arm spinner who has been touted as a future England mainstay, opted to skip the remaining County Championship games to join the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. While the IPL offers exposure to world‑class competition, it also means Ahmed will miss three crucial rounds of domestic red‑ball cricket, potentially putting him at a disadvantage when selectors assess form ahead of the summer Tests.
His contemporaries, such as Will Jacks, have made a similar choice, favouring the IPL over county duties with Surrey. Jacks’ batting credentials remain strong, but his recent struggles with the ball in Australia leave his all‑rounder status in question.
Veteran spinner Jack Leach, who finished as the third‑highest wicket‑taker in the 2025 Championship, has had a modest start to the 2026 campaign, taking four wickets at an average of 46.75. Former England all‑rounder Liam Dawson mirrors this trend, with six wickets at 49.00. The lack of a clear, dominant spinner heightens the pressure on the upcoming county fixtures to produce a standout candidate.
Overall, the next three rounds of the Championship will be pivotal. The results from matches played between 24 April and 27 April illustrate the high‑scoring nature of the competition: Glamorgan posted 440 and 137‑2 against Leicestershire’s 586‑7 declared; Warwickshire amassed 459 before drawing with Nottinghamshire’s 279 and 537‑7 declared; Essex’s 409 and 302‑2 drew with Surrey’s 472, highlighted by Lawrence’s 125 and Sibley’s 101. In the north, Durham’s 295 and 336‑2 (Gay 159*) secured an eight‑wicket victory over Lancashire, while Derbyshire’s Gloucestershire side posted 498 and then bowled out Derbyshire cheaply to win by ten wickets.
As England prepares to launch its summer Test series against New Zealand, the performances of these county players will heavily influence the final selection. Crawley’s average of 19.66 across six innings makes his recall unlikely without a dramatic turnaround. Duckett’s recent resurgence offers hope, but consistency remains key.
Gay’s explosive innings and Rew’s relentless run‑scoring present compelling cases for inclusion, while the spinner battle may hinge on whether Bashir can sustain his county form or if Ahmed’s IPL experience translates into immediate impact. The selectors face a complex puzzle, balancing experience, current form, and the strategic needs of a side eager to regain its footing on the international stage.