James Rew, the 22-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper, has been omitted from England’s squad for the third Test against New Zealand after a challenging debut at The Oval.
Rew’s wicketkeeping was heavily scrutinized as New Zealand amassed a commanding total, with key moments highlighting his struggles behind the stumps. He dropped Rachin Ravindra on seven and failed to secure a crucial catch off Henry Nicholls, who was on 42. Sky Sports Cricket analyst and former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik observed that the Nicholls chance was a tough but catchable opportunity. Karthik noted that Rew over-dived, with the ball hitting the flap between his thumb and forefinger, and that for the Ravindra catch, his dive extended further than necessary, hitting the base of his palm instead of his fingers.
Karthik added, “Compared to county cricket, his keeping is going to be under intense scrutiny… with millions watching on screen, the pressure is immense.”
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England’s batting lineup collapsed from 182-5 overnight to be all out for 209, allowing New Zealand to secure a massive 253-run victory. This was New Zealand’s largest win by runs on English soil and has set up a decisive third Test in Nottingham starting Thursday.
New Zealand bowler Matt Henry, who led the team off with the match ball raised high, praised the performance after claiming outstanding figures of 6-29 in the second innings and 5-80 in the first. His match tally of 11-109 marked the best-ever figures by a New Zealand bowler against England and his maiden 10-wicket haul in 35 Tests.
England has already begun planning for the next Test by withdrawing regular skipper Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson from county matches after both were disciplined for breaking a midnight curfew following celebrations at Lord’s. Despite receiving written warnings, both players have been cleared to return for the Nottingham Test. Stokes impressed with a 95-run innings on Saturday, while Atkinson took four wickets.
Coach Brendon McCullum affirmed, “Ben will be back. He’ll be back and he’ll be captain. Everyone is excited about that.”
Additional squad news includes the availability of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who returned after the birth of his second child. His temporary replacement, James Rew, conceded the most byes by an England keeper in 12 years and dropped two catches during the match. Fast bowler Ollie Robinson was absent due to knee soreness, marking his third consecutive missed Test due to injury.
For the third Test, Rew and pacer Sonny Baker have been dropped. Jordan Cox, who made his debut alongside Rew in the second Test, has been recalled as the spare batter, a role he has frequently filled in recent years ahead of Rew.