Image source: Getty ImagesByStephan ShemiltCricket correspondent4 hours ago314 commentsThree weeks into Somerset’s county season, James Rew’s 379 run total is only bettered by Jamie Smith. Rew, however, has played more games than most. In his five innings, Rew passed 50 four times. Rew’s century in the first match of the season, against Nottinghamshire, took him to 12 First-Class hundreds at the age 22. Opening upThis would be a straightforward approach. The vacancy will likely be at the top of order, so a replacement is the most straightforward option. Here’s the problem. Rew has never opened the batting in 60 first-class games. Rew’s highest position is number three. His century against Notts, two weeks ago, came at the first drop. He has opened the batting four times in List A cricket and scored a century. The Australians are known to pick the best players before worrying about the order. England could copy that approach and have thought about Rew as an option to open by asking Somerset for him to do the job in the Championship.Despite the Cidermen struggling to find a settled opening pair, Rew has not been tried, partly because of his workload as a wicketkeeper.Nevertheless, Somerset coach Jason Kerr has said Rew “absolutely” could open for England and those close to Rew speak of a player with the qualities to thrive at the top of the order in international cricket.Rew is said to be a tough character, with an old-fashioned approach to batting – happy to occupy the crease if the situation demands. Rew’s willingness to play reverse sweeps is a hint of modern flair. England had their fingers burnt trying a non specialist opener 18 months ago when the Dan Lawrence trial failed. James could be an England player by then. Rew, Somerset’s opener, can ‘absolutely,’ open for England.2 days agoAbell leads Somerset to a thrilling win over Hampshire.5 hours agoRejig orderEngland’s four, five, and six are Joe Root, Harry Brook, and captain Ben Stokes. Smith’s poor Ashes performance is notwithstanding, his early season form at Surrey suggests that he will retain his England spot. If Rew were to replace Smith at number 7, it would mean that Rew, who does not play for Surrey, would not be able to keep for England, while Smith, who doesn’t keep for Surrey, would take the gloves in Test Cricket. Smith has benefited from the switch to Surrey, where it is believed he has rediscovered his natural batting pace. Smith has been tipped to move up the England order as a specialist batsman. This would allow Rew to bat and keep at seven for England. Rew has spent most of his time in the engine room for Somerset, where he has scored 10 of his 12 first class hundreds. England likes their number seven to have a dynamic batsman who can counter-attack alongside the tail. Rew’s batting has many gears, but not as many as Smith. The other part of the plan would be to move Jacob Bethell from opening to number three. Bethell has the talent, attributes, and temperament to be an opener, but has only recently found a place at number three after his stellar debut century in the last Ashes test in Sydney. If England decides to omit Kent’s opener and want a specialist as his replacement, Durham pair Ben McKinney or Emilio Gay are doing well. Asa Tribe also opens for Glamorgan. There could be two batting positions available in the Test Squad, simply because England picks a reserve to cover the top seven. There are also questions about the pace and spin bowling slots. Shoaib Bashir is trying to move forward after a terrible winter. He has a new home in Derbyshire and many overs. If England did not pick Bashir, they would go back to Jack Leach or Liam Dawson. Or even leg-spinner Mason Crane whose only test cap was more than eight years old? Will Jacks is currently the incumbent. Other all-rounders include Rehan Ahmad and James Coles. England’s fast-bowling is in its most uncertain time for over two decades. James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes are out of the picture. Brydon Carse is recovering from a broken wrist, and Jofra Archer is playing in the Indian Premier League. Gus Atkinson, who hasn’t played this season due to a hamstring injury suffered at the Ashes series, should be able join Josh Tongue and the rest of the squad for the New Zealand series. There could be up to three vacancies. Sonny Baker, who has a central contract, has had a great start to the season after a difficult debut last year. England is looking for a new-ball player to replace retired Woakes. Matthew Fisher has been called into the Ashes team and Tom Lawes, who is highly rated. However, both are in a Surrey side that has struggled in the first two rounds in the Championship. Sam Cook only played one Test in the past year, which is not enough to judge the prolific Essex seamer. Is it time for England finally to put Ollie Robinson behind them? He is still only 32 years old, but he has 76 catches at an average of below 23. He hasn’t played for England for more than a decade. Now Sussex captain, Robinson is rated as the best new ball bowler in the nation. Can England afford him? What information do we gather from this quiz?Related topicsEngland’s Men’s Cricket TeamStephan HemiltCricketMore about this storyGet cricket updates sent directly to your phone16 August 2020
