James Rew

In the heart of English cricket’s next generation, few names echo with as much promise as James Edward Kenneth Rew. Born on January 11, 2004, in Lambeth, London, and raised in the cricket-rich county of Somerset, Rew has quietly but confidently carved his path through the domestic ranks. A gifted left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, his rise from grassroots cricket to the doorstep of an England Test cap is not just a story of numbers and performances—it’s a tale of composure, relentless work ethic, and a boy who turned his county dream into a national conversation.

Rew's cricketing journey commenced in Taunton, Somerset, where his family relocated when he was four years old. He began playing for Taunton St Andrews and joined Somerset's age-group teams at the Under-10 level. Progressing through the Emerging Player Programme and the Somerset Academy, Rew honed his skills as both a batter and wicketkeeper. His adaptability was evident early on; he took up wicketkeeping at age nine when his team lacked a regular keeper, a role he embraced and excelled in. His performances at the youth level earned him a spot in England's Under-19 squad for the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies, where he played a pivotal role in the team's journey to the final. Notably, Rew scored a valiant 95 runs in the final against India, showcasing his temperament and skill on the global stage. 

Rew's first-class debut came in July 2021 for a County Select XI against India at the Emirates Riverside. He made his List A debut for Somerset in August 2021 against Yorkshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup. In July 2022, Rew made his first-class debut for Somerset, scoring a half-century in his first match and following it up with a maiden century against Essex in his second. His performances earned him Somerset's Young Player of the Year award for 2022.

In the 2022 Royal London One-Day Cup, Rew was Somerset's highest run-scorer with 307 runs, including his maiden one-day century—an innings of 114 against Middlesex.

The 2023 season marked a significant breakthrough for Rew. He amassed 1,086 runs in 14 County Championship matches, becoming Division One's third-highest run-scorer. His innings of 221 against Hampshire at Taunton made him Somerset's youngest first-class double centurion at 19 years and 181 days. This innings, which lasted over seven hours and included 23 fours and four sixes, was instrumental in Somerset's total of 500.

Rew's consistency continued into the 2025 season. In May 2025, he scored his tenth first-class century, becoming the youngest Englishman since Denis Compton in 1939 to achieve this feat. His conversion rate of 55.56% from fifties to hundreds since 2023 ranks among the highest, highlighting his ability to capitalize on starts.

Among Rew's standout performances is his 221-run innings against Hampshire in 2023, where he rescued Somerset from a precarious position of 41-4, leading them to a formidable total of 500. In May 2025, Rew played a pivotal role in Somerset's victory over Essex, scoring 116 runs in a successful chase of 321, marking his tenth first-class century and becoming the youngest player since Denis Compton to reach this milestone.

Rew's batting is characterized by classical technique, patience, and composure under pressure—traits that have drawn comparisons to cricketing greats. His ability to anchor innings and build substantial partnerships has been pivotal for Somerset. Head coach Jason Kerr praised Rew, stating, "Right now he's ridiculously good. He's incredibly level-headed, every game seems like it's his first opportunity to play". 

Rew's domestic success has not gone unnoticed. He was included in the England Lions squad for the tour of Australia in January 2025. In May 2025, he was called up to the England Test squad as a replacement for the injured Jordan Cox ahead of the Test series against Zimbabwe. While he is yet to make his senior debut, his consistent performances suggest that an England cap may not be far off.

James Rew's rapid ascent in English cricket, marked by his technical proficiency and mental fortitude, positions him as a promising talent for the national team. His continued development and performances will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike.

(As of May 2025)