James Rew has become the most prolific run‑scorer in the County Championship, eclipsing all but Jamie Smith. Yet England’s middle order is settled with Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes. Rew’s only realistic pathway to a Test spot is opening for Somerset, where he can challenge Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett today.

Atherton stressed that a county’s top three spot is a prerequisite for national selection, saying England would need to shuffle the order to accommodate an opener. He warned that moving Joe Root from four would upset a settled rhythm, while the squad’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4 leaves only one opening berth.

Rew’s 2024 tally of 1,400 runs at an average over 45 places him ahead of most county batsmen, but his role at number four means he rarely faces the pressure of an opening assignment. If Somerset promotes him, he could learn to face New Zealand’s swing bowlers early, a skill England’s selectors are keen to evaluate ahead of the home series.

With Test selection under pressure, Atherton and former captain Nasser Hussain are watching Rew’s form closely. If he can convert his county dominance into an opening role, England will have a fresh option to counter New Zealand’s pace attack. The decision will hinge on whether Somerset can afford to lose its top scorer for a national call‑up.