James Rew set for Test debut for England against New Zealand at The Oval
ESPNcricinfo • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:04 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
James Rew will make his Test debut for England as Jamie Smith is on paternity leave following the birth of his daughter. Rew, a 22-year-old wicketkeeper from Somerset, will bat at number six in the lineup. He joins two other debutants, batter Jordan Cox and pace bowler Sonny Baker, leading to five changes from the team that won the first Test at Lord's. England's second Test against New Zealand begins on June 17. Smith's absence has created opportunities for younger players as England aims to build depth in the squad.
- •Rew averages 41.71 in 64 first-class matches.
- •Smith's child was born on June 16, 2026.
- •England made five changes to the team after winning by 115 runs at Lord's.
- •Cox and Baker also make their Test debuts.
- •The second Test starts on June 17, 2026.
- 6:10 PMESPNcricinfo — James Rew to make Test debut as Jamie Smith goes on paternity leave
- 4:53 PMYahoo Sports — Rew to make debut as Smith misses second Test
- 4:48 PMBBC Sport — Rew to make debut as Smith misses second Test
"Jamie Smith misses England's second Test against New Zealand following the birth of his daughter, with James Rew coming into the side as a third debutant.
"Jamie Smith misses England's second Test against New Zealand following the birth of his daughter, with James Rew coming into the side as a third debutant.
"Three debutants and five changes for England, following victory in Lord's Test
Sources
External links- ESPNcricinfoJun 16, 2026, 6:10 PMJames Rew to make Test debut as Jamie Smith goes on paternity leave
Three debutants and five changes for England, following victory in Lord's Test
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 4:53 PMRew to make debut as Smith misses second Test
Jamie Smith misses England's second Test against New Zealand following the birth of his daughter, with James Rew coming into the side as a third debutant.
- BBC SportJun 16, 2026, 4:48 PMRew to make debut as Smith misses second Test
Jamie Smith misses England's second Test against New Zealand following the birth of his daughter, with James Rew coming into the side as a third debutant.
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