James Rew Steps Up: England's New Hope Against Zimbabwe in Historic Test Match

James Rew replaces injured Jordan Cox in England's squad for the upcoming Test against Zimbabwe, marking a pivotal moment in his cricket career.

Uncapped Somerset batter James Rew has been called up to the England squad for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, replacing the injured Jordan Cox. This change comes as a significant opportunity for Rew, who has shown exceptional form in the County Championship this season.

James Rew, aged 21, has been a standout performer for Somerset, boasting an average of 54.21 with a top score of 152. His inclusion is not just a testament to his current form but also a nod to his potential future in international cricket. Rew was part of the England Under-19 squad that reached the U19 World Cup final in 2022 and has previously toured Australia with the England Lions.

The Test, set to begin on 22 May at Trent Bridge, will be a crucial part of England's preparation for the upcoming five-Test series against India starting in June. Rew will join the squad for a training camp next week, where he will look to cement his place in the team.

Jordan Cox, on the other hand, faces a disappointing setback. The 24-year-old was injured while scoring a century in Essex's County Championship match against Somerset. This injury comes at a particularly inopportune time, as Cox was on the verge of making his Test debut last November in New Zealand before a thumb injury sidelined him.

Zimbabwe's last Test in the UK was in 2003, a series that saw the debut of James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker. This upcoming match is not just a test of skill but also a historical event, as it marks Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket in England after nearly two decades.

England's squad for the Test includes a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, with Ben Stokes leading as captain. The team will be looking to start their summer campaign on a high note against Zimbabwe.

Cricket fans can look forward to extensive coverage of all England's home international cricket and live coverage of The Hundred across BBC TV, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website, starting with the England women's T20 international against West Indies on 21 May.

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