Ashes: Who might England turn to for 2027 contest against Australia?

The Rews are not the only brothers it is hoped will have big futures.

Rehan Ahmed was the youngest man to play Test cricket for England when he featured in Pakistan in 2022, while his 17-year-old brother Farhan, an off-spinner rather than leggie like Rehan, became the youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in first-class cricket in Britain when taking seven for Nottinghamshire against Surrey in 2024.

Rehan was another on this winter’s Lions trip. Many thought he should have been in the full Test squad after a strong season for Leicestershire.

Farhan has played for the Lions this year and will be part of the Under-19 World Cup group.

After Shoaib Bashir’s tour as drinks carrier, England appear back at square one in their search for a frontline spinner.

Having scored five centuries and taken 23 wickets in the 2025 County Championship Division Two, it may be that Rehan’s future is more as an all-rounder.

Lancashire left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who has not added to his five Test caps since the 2024 tour of India, was with the Lions in Australia, and do not forget Somerset’s Jack Leach.

He was the leading wicket-taker among spinners in the County Championship last season and, aged 34, is still desperate to regain his Test place.