)}})
James and Thomas head for Australia
James and Thomas Rew have set off for Australia with the England Lions.
21-year-old James enjoyed another very successful season in 2025, scoring 1000 runs in the County Championship for the second time as well as leading the team to the semi-finals of the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
17-year-old Thomas made his T20 and List A debuts for Somerset this summer.
We caught up with the pair before they headed to the airport.
Thomas Rew: “It’s been a really cool year for me, and I didn’t expect it to happen so fast. I have had some unbelievable experiences throughout the summer and now I’ve got an exciting winter to look forward to as well.
“I’ve had a couple of winters on the Somerset Academy, which has really helped my cricket, and a lot of credit has to go to the coaches. This summer has shown that I’m able to do it and I’ve played for Somerset in a couple of T20s and in the Metro Bank. It’s an exciting place to be and I’m enjoying my cricket and looking forward to where it takes me.
“It’s really exciting to be going on the Lions tour with James. We played together for Somerset in August and now we want to carry on with that and play for England together.”
James Rew: “It was incredible to play alongside my brother for Somerset in the summer. It’s been a dream of mine ever since I came onto the pro staff. I’d always thought that he would make it, so to get the opportunity to bat with him was just fantastic.
“We had a decent partnership at Middlesex and then we had another stand against Durham at home and he managed to get 80-odd not out and win the game.”
What were they hoping for in Australia?
TR: “The main thing for me is to try and learn as much as possible. We’ve got some unbelievable coaches with a lot of experience in international cricket and also some very experienced players on the tour as well, so I think I’m just going to try and pick as many brains as possible and learn as much as I can about my game and the different conditions out there.”
JR: “I’ll be looking to put in some strong performances and contribute to winning a couple of games, but it’s always tough playing them in their own back yard. We know it’s going to be a challenge. Australia will be tough opponents, especially with the Ashes there. They are all looking to get into the team if there is an injury and it’s the same for us so should be a great contest.”
If the brothers get to play together for the Lions who is going to grab the wicket-keeping gloves?
TR: “I’ve been asked that question quite a few times. I don’t think either of us know. We are happy just to try and get in the team and if that means one of us playing as a batter then that’s it- but it’s up for debate still!”
JR: “It will be an interesting one and we will see what happens. That’s something to discuss with the coaches!”
Tour schedule:
13-15 November: England v England Lions – Lilac Hill (Perth)
21-24 November: CA XI v England Lions – Lilac Hill (Perth)
29-30 November: Prime Minister’s XI v England XI – Manuka Oval – D/N (Canberra)
5-8 December: Australia A v England Lions – Allan Border Field (Brisbane)
