“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind!” – Thomas looks back on remarkable year
It’s been a remarkable year for Thomas Rew.
The 18-year-old impressed for the Somerset First XI, and is now receiving recognition from the England selectors.
Before joining his international teammates at Loughborough, we sat down with Thomas to discuss his remarkable year.
Can you believe what’s happened to you in the last 12 months?
“No, not really. It’s all happened so fast. To be able to play a bit for Somerset at the start of this year, finishing off my exams, getting picked in The Hundred, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but I’m just trying to take it all in and take each opportunity as it comes.”
Was it easy to transition into the First XI environment?
“It’s definitely a leap up from the levels I’ve played before, but this Club is just one big family really. Everyone’s so welcoming and they make you feel really welcome when you step into that First Team dressing room. They made it very easy for me to be in and around that environment.”
What do you put your success this year down to?
“I think it’s just the hard work you put in with the coaches over the winter. I was lucky enough to travel a little bit this winter, so I was playing cricket all year round and that definitely helps. When you’re stepping into such a strong team, you don’t feel any pressure really because you can go out there and bat and just try and do your thing because you’ve got such great players around you.”
You impressed in both red ball and white ball cricket, how difficult is it to be a genuinely multi-format player these days?
“I think it can be tough because you switch formats pretty regularly. I found it tough at number five when I first went into the Vitality Blast team and then an opportunity arose at the top of the order and we talked about batting with freedom and that really helped.
“There’s a lot of quick turnarounds from white ball to red ball and that’s not always easy, but I think in the modern game you’ve got to be able to do it. I also think that the skills acquired across both formats aren’t too dissimilar now, so hopefully my game is pretty well suited to both. It’s something I’ll keep working on.
“If it was easy then everyone would be the best all-format batter in the world but there are definitely some people who have got it down to a tee and it’s something that I’m still working on and trying to chat to as many people about as possible. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the coaches over this winter and develop all parts of my game.”
Was it a help or a hindrance having your big brother in the dressing room?
“We love being in there together. We get on so well and especially when we’re out in the field. To be able to play with him and the rest of the boys makes it just like one big family. We all get on so well and the camaraderie in the group is second to none and that definitely helps when we step onto that field.”
What did it feel like to make your first century for the Club?
“To get my maiden County Championship hundred this year was a special feeling, and I want to do again and again. Getting back-to-back hundreds gave me a huge sense of pride and a sense of belief. To do it against last year’s champions and then this year’s champions just gave me that sense of belonging really. It made me believe that I can do it on this stage, and I’m just looking to keep on performing. Unfortunately, I got injured so it was a bit of a tough end to the season but I’m definitely looking forward to next year.”
You’ve recently been named in the England IT20 squad for Australia, you’ll captain the Lions in the Caribbean, and you’ve been awarded a development contract by the ECB. Do you have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s all real?
“Definitely! It was a huge surprise to get that contract and to get the call up to Australia. It’s pretty surreal and it hasn’t really sunk in but it’s a great opportunity.
“Hopefully, I can mix with some of England’s greatest players and learn as much as possible. It was a huge shock but now I’ve thought about it, it’s very special and a great opportunity. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet but I’m looking forward to it.”
What do the next 12 months hold for Thomas Rew?
“By the end of next year, I’d love to have won the County Championship with Somerset. It’s something we say every year and it’s something that everyone’s striving for. That’s the biggest goal and aspiration for us as a squad and hopefully it can be done next year!”
