A remarkable new talent is making waves in English cricket this season, with 17-year-old Thomas Rew establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising young batters.
The Somerset schoolboy delivered a standout performance earlier this summer, steering his county to a white-ball victory with an unbeaten 84 runs from just 81 deliveries. What impressed observers most wasn’t just the runs themselves, but the maturity with which he managed a challenging chase, manipulating both field placements and bowling with the composure of a seasoned professional.
Rew’s emergence comes as he shares the Somerset dressing room with his older brother James, creating a unique family dynamic within the county setup. Their partnership has been particularly evident in the One-Day Cup, where Thomas contributed 308 runs at an average of 44 throughout the tournament.
The young wicketkeeper-batter acknowledges the challenges of balancing his cricket ambitions with academic responsibilities. “It is tough at times,” Rew admits, referencing his upcoming A-level exams in geography, economics, and mathematics. “But it’s just one more year of hard work and then I can focus fully on cricket.”
His development continues at an impressive pace, having already captained England’s under-19 side against India this summer and set to lead the national team in next year’s Under-19 World Cup. Despite his youth, Rew demonstrates a thoughtful approach to leadership, noting that “there are enough people on the pitch to help you out if you’re ever struggling.”
The competitive spirit between the Rew brothers extends beyond the cricket field to other sports including padel, squash, and golf. “I want to beat him at everything,” Thomas confesses, acknowledging his fiercely competitive nature.
With a Somerset contract secured until 2027 and centuries already recorded for both a counties select XI and England Under-19s, Rew’s rapid ascent shows no signs of slowing. A first-class debut appears imminent, marking the next step in what promises to be a compelling career trajectory for English cricket’s latest prodigy.
