Thomas Rew, younger brother of Somerset prodigy James, hit a blazing hundred in a four-day match against Zimbabwe at the Uptonsteel County Ground in Leicester.
In the tour game ahead of Zimbabwe’s one-off Test against England starting May 22, the visitors faced the Professional County Club Select XI.
Despite conceding a 73-run first-innings lead, the hosts staged a remarkable comeback, fueled by two sensational centuries. Dan Mousley laid a solid foundation with a vigilant 154 off 186 balls, but it was 17-year-old Thomas who stole the show. After a first-innings duck, he roared back with an unbeaten 103 off 107 balls – hitting 14 fours and a six – to propel his side to 464-7 before the declaration.
Chasing a fourth-innings target of 391, Zimbabwe suffered early blows as Eddie Jack struck thrice, removing Ben Curran (0), Sean Williams (1), and Brian Bennett (17) to reduce them to 30-3. Captain Craig Ervine fell soon after for eight, leaving the score at a precarious 51-4. The collapse continued as Wesley Madhevere’s dismissal for 20 left Zimbabwe reeling at 98-5. Only Nick Welch offered resistance, battling to a defiant fifty on the final day to keep Zimbabwe’s slim hopes for survival alive.
Also read: Veteran all-rounder returns to Zimbabwe squad for historic England Test
Who is Thomas Rew?
Thomas is the teenage brother of 21-year-old Somerset youngster James Rew, who was rewarded with a Test call-up for the one-off match against Zimbabwe as injured Jordan Cox’s replacement. James became the youngest English batter since Denis Compton to score 10 first-class centuries earlier this season.
Disappointing news for Jordan Cox, who has been ruled out of our upcoming Test match against Zimbabwe.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 8, 2025
It means a first senior call-up for Somerset’s James Rew, who replaces Cox in the squad.
Congratulations, James 👊
Like James, Thomas is also a wicketkeeper-batter – but unlike his left-handed brother, he bats right-handed. Currently playing for Somerset’s 2nd XI, he entered the match with no prior first-class or List A experience. However, he showcased his potential last year against Gloucestershire XI, smashing an unbeaten 106 off 92 balls, followed by an unbeaten 41, to help secure a draw while chasing 349 in a red-ball game.
His England U19 performances in an unofficial Test against South Africa U19 earlier in January further highlight his versatility: a gritty 43 off 112 and a brisk 71 off 71 prove he can both anchor and attack.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
