Another Ashes series in Australia has come and gone, meaning England’s wait for a win down under goes on.
By the time the next series against Australia starts in summer 2027 it will be 12 years since England last won the urn.
Moments of cheer – Jacob Bethell’s first Test century, Josh Tongue’s efforts and Joe Root’s long-awaited Australian ton – were few and far between, leaving plenty of questions over the future.
As it stands, it appears the wish to change England’s leadership, one unafraid of picking youngsters, is limited. If so, do not expect sweeping changes in playing personnel.
But if there is to be new blood then who is in line? Who are the youngsters who could apply the pressure by 2027?
England’s next big hope?
Aged 21 years and 114 days, Somerset’s James Rew became the youngest Englishman to score 10 first-class hundreds last year and was given a first England call-up soon after for the Test against Zimbabwe though he did not play.
Some say his 18-year-old brother Thomas, who scored England Under-19s’ fastest 50-over century last June, is even more talented.
Both were part of the England Lions squad that toured Australia this winter.
James made 92 not out against a Prime Ministers’ XI in the Lions’ day-night match in Canberra.
Thomas scored 55 against England in their Lilac Hill warm-up before the first Test, and 47 in a thrashing at the hands of a strong Australia A in Brisbane.
Both could become options as top-six batters, or apply pressure to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith should his slump continue.
It should not be forgotten Thomas, who will lead England Under-19s at their World Cup later this month, is still yet to play a first-class match for Somerset.
Do not expect too much too soon.
