James Rew: The Next Big Thing England Can't Ignore

James Rew is turning heads and racking up runs like a seasoned pro. In a crucial match against a fierce bowling lineup, he stood tall, scoring an impressive 58 not out, leading Somerset to a strong position. His season stats are nothing short of phenomenal: 64, 122, 48, 86, and 59. Only Jamie Smith can claim more runs in the Championship, making Rew impossible to overlook for England Test selection.

But where does he fit? England's middle order is stacked, and with Smith likely securing the No.7 spot, Rew’s options are limited. The opener slot is shaky, though. Zak Crawley’s struggles raise questions, while Ben Duckett's decision to skip IPL riches hasn’t paid off yet. England has a history of picking players out of position, but such moves can lead to disaster—just ask Dan Lawrence.

The best way for Rew to break into the Test side may be to open for Somerset and keep piling on the runs. However, his younger brother Thomas, a rising star in his own right, will need to step in behind the stumps. With exams looming, the timing could be crucial. Somerset's head coach Jason Kerr believes Rew has the talent to thrive at the top order for England. It’s a waiting game now, and the pressure is on for both brothers as they navigate their paths to potential international glory.