What to do about Rew? England’s dilemma

As the county season unfolds, Somerset’s James Rew is positioning himself as a vital contender in England’s strategy for the post-Ashes era. With 379 runs in his first 60 first-class matches, Rew has outperformed many of his peers, including Jamie Smith, who leads the charts. His consistent scoring, featuring four half-centuries, highlights his potential. A notable milestone came early in the season when Rew scored a century against Nottinghamshire, bringing his tally of first-class hundreds to 12 by the age of 22—matching Zak Crawley’s total in his entire career.

The Dilemma

Despite his impressive form, Rew isn’t a traditional opener, complicating his integration into England’s lineup. The team is facing a challenge: how to slot him into the order for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on 4 June. The vacancy at the top of the order could be filled by a player like Rew, but his lack of experience batting at the top poses a risk. In his 60 first-class games, he has yet to open the batting, with his highest position at number three.

Somerset coach Jason Kerr has asserted that Rew ‘absolutely’ has the ability to open for England, emphasizing his adaptability and temperament.

While Rew’s talent is undeniable, England may hesitate to ask him to debut as an opener against a formidable New Zealand attack. A potential solution lies in his participation with the England Lions, where he could gain experience batting at the top in two fixtures against South Africa A in May. This would act as a dress rehearsal before the Test debut.

Reorganizing the Order

England’s current lineup features Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes as the top three. Jamie Smith, who struggled in the Ashes, has shown renewed form for Surrey, suggesting he will retain his place. If Rew is to join the team, Smith’s position might shift. This could create a scenario where Smith bats at seven, allowing Rew to keep wickets and play at six, where he has consistently excelled, scoring 10 of his 12 centuries.

However, Rew’s keeping skills are considered competent rather than exceptional, potentially limited by his footwork. England’s number seven role requires a dynamic batter capable of counter-attacking, a trait Rew possesses but not as prominently as Smith. A strategic move could involve Jacob Bethell taking over the opening role, as he has demonstrated the talent and temperament for it. Bethell, who recently found his footing at number three with a stellar century in the final Ashes Test, may be reshaped into an opener, given his limited first-class appearances for Warwickshire since August 2024.

Looking ahead, Rew’s future with Somerset could change if Thomas, his younger brother, takes up wicketkeeping after completing A-levels. This might create space for Rew to focus on batting, potentially securing his place in the England squad. For now, the decision hinges on balancing his potential with the team’s current needs, a delicate task in the rebuild phase.