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In Safe Hands: Katie Jones and Thomas Rew
Somerset has a long tradition of outstanding wicketkeepers.
Harold Stephenson, Derek Taylor, Rob Turner, Jos Buttler, Craig Kieswetter and Steve Davies are a just a few of the outstanding players to have worn the gloves with distinction in the past.
The future of ‘keeping in the County is looking equally as bright because both the Men’s and Women’s England Under 19 ‘keepers are on the books at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Katie Jones made her Western Storm debut in 2023 and has played four international fixtures for England Under 19s, making a half century on her ODI debut against Australia in Galle this April. She was also named captain for the U19 IT20 against Sri Lanka.
Thomas Rew was first called into the England Under 19 squad in June this year for the three-game Youth ODI series against Sri Lanka and was recently named in the U19 training squad for South Africa.
How did it feel to be called up to represent your country?
Katie Jones: “It’s a huge privilege to play for England. It was quite a step up from anything I’d done before, so it was really exciting.”
Thomas Rew: “It was a huge honour for me to get that call to go with the England Under 19s. I’ve worked really hard towards it. I’ve had lots of help over the years from the Academy at Somerset and it’s a great privilege to wear that cap.”
Do you feel like you achieved a lot this summer?
TR: “2024 was a huge year for me. To be in the same Somerset side and win the Second XI T20 Cup alongside my brother was a good start. I learnt a lot last summer and have got a lot to focus on this winter.
What does the future hold?
KJ: “2025 will be my first year as a full time pro and I’ll be working as hard as I can with the coaches to keep pushing myself forward. I always set my aspirations high but try to keep my expectations low, if that makes sense. It’s important to find that balance between wanting to achieve things but not putting too much pressure on yourself. Obviously I want to play for England one day. I don’t know if or when that will happen, but that’s okay.
“I’m going to keep working hard and not lose sight of that main goal and throw myself into every opportunity that I get.”
TR: “I look up to James as someone who I want to be in the future, but I’m taking it in small steps at the minute and can’t worry too much about stuff that’s in the future.
“I’ve still got a long way to go, and I need to improve and work on a few things to get to that position, but hopefully one day it will happen.”
