England will hand out a third Test debut against New Zealand on Wednesday, as Somerset’s James Rew steps in as wicketkeeper, replacing Jamie Smith who has become a new father.
Smith was absent from training at the Kia Oval on Tuesday, with the England and Wales Cricket Board confirming the arrival of his second child earlier that morning.
Rew’s inclusion completes a trio of new faces in an unfamiliar home XI, joining fast bowler Sonny Baker and batter Jordan Cox.
This marks a total of five alterations from the side that defeated New Zealand by 115 runs at Lord’s just 10 days prior. Rew will be the 20th player to make his debut under head coach Brendon McCullum in 46 matches.
The changes also see Jofra Archer and Matt Fisher enter the squad, while captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were not considered for selection following a breach of team curfew during last Sunday’s victory celebrations.
At 22, Rew has long been earmarked for international honours. The left-hander from Somerset became the youngest Englishman to reach 10 first-class centuries since the legendary Denis Compton in 1939, a tally he has since extended with two more.
With 64 first-class appearances and an average of 41.71, he was first called into the Test squad over a year ago for a standalone match against Zimbabwe.
His journey has included travelling to Australia with Andrew Flintoff’s Lions, where he served as captain, and spending further time embedded with the senior squad.
While considered solid rather than outstanding behind the stumps, Rew underwent an extensive training session with Sarah Taylor, the World Cup-winning former England keeper who has made history as the first woman to work with the men’s national team.
Taylor’s involvement is part of an expanded backroom team this summer, following criticisms of the coaching group during their recent tour Down Under.
Confirming the late change, the ECB stated: "Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter James Rew has been called into the England men’s XI for the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand in place of Jamie Smith.
“Smith has been withdrawn from the Test match following the birth of his second child, enabling him to remain with his partner and family."
