England’s 9 Test debutants since December 2022 – will James Rew be number 10?
Another injury setback for the unfortunate Jordan Cox has paved the way for Somerset’s James Rew to earn his first call-up to the England Test squad.
Cox was set to make his England debut in their winter tour of New Zealand but was ruled out with a broken thumb he suffered in the nets.
Both players made a century in their contest earlier this week but the Essex batter suffered a side injury in his latest setback, which has opened the door for the 21 year old.
Rew will join up with the England senior Test side next week as they prepare for their summer opener against Zimbabwe and Trent Bridge.
The wicketkeeper-batter has represented England Lions and under-19s, but this will be his first time joining Brendon McCullum’s side.
England’s most recent debutant, Jacob Bethell, won’t be in the squad due to IPL commitments but will join up after.
Cricket365 takes a look at the nine most recent players to make their debut in the new era of English cricket under the captaincy of Ben Stokes.
9. Rehan Ahmed – England Test cap 710
At just 18 years old, Ahmed became England’s youngest ever men’s Test cricketer, Rehan dominated in his debut in Pakistan, backing up England’s young leg-spinner.
He also became the youngest player to debut in all three formats and despite his recent absence from the squad, his youthful age and the fact he’s been opening the batting for Leicestershire suggests his return might not be far away.
8. Josh Tongue – England Test cap 711
The right-arm seamer made an instant impact in his debut against Ireland in 2023.
His talent and ability to extract movement at speed made him an exciting prospect, but he’s recently been blighted with injuries.
He has been included in the squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe Test and will be keen to pick up where he left off.
7. Tom Hartley – England Test cap 712
Hartley stunned fans with 7/62 on debut away against India with many feeling he was the future spinner of English cricket.
He caused problems on the India tour and took wickets with regularity, but has since fallen out of favour and not had a chance to perform since.
6. Shoaib Bashir – England Test cap 713
Bashir was a surprise call-up with little first-class experience and very few wickets at that level.
He took 49 wickets in his first year but wasn’t particularly economical.
The England coaching staff admire his improvement and value his turn and bounce meaning he’s still very much England‘s front line spinner.
5. Gus Atkinson – England Test cap 714
Atkinson has well and truly burst onto the Test scene, he’s made Lord’s his playground with his name already on both honours boards and will lead an inexperienced bowling attack against Zimbabwe.
His raw pace, lateral movement and all-round capabilities mean he’s very much made the most on his first full year for England.
4. Jamie Smith – England Test cap 715
Smith has looked quality with the bat since making his debut, averaging 42.46 and a century in just nine Test matches.
He was tidy with the gloves and recognised as one of the best performers of 2024 by Wisden.
His calm presence and ability to anchor an innings when the side is faltering have sealed his spot as England’s number one wicketkeeper.
3. Josh Hull – England Test cap 716
Hull is a towering left-arm quick who also made his England debut with little experience and only 26 first-class wickets to date.
He’s 6’8 and England sees long-term potential in his bounce, angle and express pace.
2. Brydon Carse – England Test cap 717
Carse had played a multitude of games for England in the T20 and ODI formats but made his Test debut in 2024, bringing pace, swing and a new dynamic to the English bowling attack.
His redemption story and close bond with Durham teammate and England captain, Ben Stokes, became a positive boost in the nation’s rebuild since the retirement of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
1. Jacob Bethell – England Test cap 718
Bethell has long been ranked highly by the England selectors having been fast-tracked to the Test squad after his T20 and ODI debuts for the country.
The Barbados born 21 year old has played only 23 first-class matches but is averaging 52 in his three Test matches with three half centuries.
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