Context:

James Rew, an uncapped Somerset batter, has been called up to the England Test cricket squad to replace the injured Jordan Cox for their upcoming match against Zimbabwe. Rew has been in exceptional form in the County Championship, boasting an average of 54.21 and a top score of 152. At 21, he brings experience from playing in the England Under-19 squad that reached the World Cup final in 2022 and participating in a tour with the England Lions in Australia. Cox's injury, sustained during a match against Somerset where he scored a century, is a significant setback as he was positioned as a spare batter for the Test. The England squad is preparing for the Test match scheduled at Trent Bridge on May 22, with Rew set to join the team for a training camp next week.

Dive Deeper:

• James Rew, a promising young batter from Somerset, has been selected for the England squad due to his outstanding performance in the County Championship, where he has achieved an impressive average of 54.21, including a high score of 152.

• Rew is set to replace Jordan Cox, who suffered an injury while playing for Essex in a County Championship match against Somerset, where he scored a century before his injury became apparent.

• At just 21 years old, Rew has already made a mark in international youth cricket as part of the England Under-19 squad that reached the final of the U19 World Cup in 2022, and he further developed his skills on a tour with the England Lions in Australia.

• Jordan Cox's injury represents a significant setback, particularly as he has been in strong form this season, scoring a remarkable 103 not out against Somerset, in addition to prior high scores against Nottinghamshire and Surrey.

• Rew will join the England squad for a training camp in preparation for their one-off Test match against Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to commence on May 22 at Trent Bridge, marking the start of the summer Test season.