A Compelling Case for Selection
Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman James Rew has burst into England selection discussions with a scintillating start to the county season. The 22-year-old has accumulated 379 runs across five innings, trailing only Jamie Smith in the early Championship run charts, though Rew has featured in one additional match.
His consistency has been remarkable – four scores above fifty in five attempts, including a century against Nottinghamshire in the season opener. That hundred represented his 12th first-class century, matching Zak Crawley's career tally despite being several years younger. With an average approaching 44 across 60 first-class matches, Rew's credentials are becoming impossible to ignore.
The Opening Conundrum
England's most pressing batting concern centres around the opening positions, particularly with Crawley's place appearing increasingly precarious. However, Rew presents a fascinating puzzle – he's never opened in first-class cricket, with number three being his highest batting position to date.
This mismatch between England's need and Rew's experience creates genuine tactical complications. The selectors could gamble on class over experience, following the Australian philosophy of picking the best players regardless of their usual role. Alternatively, they might request Somerset trial Rew as an opener, though this hasn't happened despite the county's own opening struggles, partly due to his wicketkeeping responsibilities.
Character and Technique Assessment
Somerset coach Jason Kerr has stated Rew "absolutely" possesses the qualities to open for England, and those familiar with the player speak highly of his mental fortitude. His approach combines old-school patience with modern innovation – comfortable grinding out tough periods whilst unafraid to deploy shots like the reverse sweep when conditions allow.
This temperament could prove crucial at international level, where opening batsmen face the most challenging conditions and must set the tone for their team's innings. The question remains whether throwing him into Test cricket's deep end against New Zealand's Matt Henry represents sound planning or unnecessary risk.
Pathway and Timing Considerations
England's previous experiment with Dan Lawrence as a makeshift opener serves as a cautionary tale about forcing square pegs into round holes. The upcoming England Lions fixtures against South Africa A in May could provide the perfect testing ground for Rew's opening credentials without the pressure of full international exposure.
Looking ahead, Rew's position at Somerset might naturally evolve if younger brother Thomas assumes wicketkeeping duties after completing his A-levels this summer. This could see James move up Somerset's batting order, gaining valuable experience before any potential England call-up for the Lord's Test against New Zealand on 4 June.
The betting markets have begun factoring Rew into their England squad calculations, with his odds for Test selection shortening considerably following his early-season heroics. Whether England's selectors prove equally convinced remains the fascinating subplot as the county season develops.
