Breaking: England Under-19s Pick World Cup Party Led By Thomas Rew
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England Under-19s have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, set to take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia in January and February.Wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew will wear the captain’s armband as the team navigate a challenging Group C phase.
Rew, 18, misses the recent West Indies tour after linking up with the England Lions in Australia. He marked his first-class debut for the Lions against Australia A earlier this month,after featuring for Somerset in the previous summer while still just 17.
Farhan Ahmed, Nottinghamshire’s offspinner and younger brother of England international Rehan ahmed, will assume vice-captaincy, having led the side during the Caribbean stint. The squad also welcomes Ali Farooq of Leicestershire as the sole uncapped addition, with the rest of the group largely retained from the previous cycle.
England Under-19s head coach Mike Yardy expressed strong faith in the squad’s prospects. “This is an amazing possibility for the players we have selected to not only wear an England shirt at a World cup but also to go out and try and do something special,” he saeid.”We have a balanced squad with a core group who already have county experience and have built camaraderie while playing together for the U19s, which will serve them well during the tournament.”
He added: “I want the players to relish the World Cup experience, in a country as beautiful as Zimbabwe, and to embrace the challenge of facing diverse opposition while showing their quality.”
England are drawn in Group C alongside Pakistan, Scotland, and the hosts, Zimbabwe.Their campaign opens on January 16 against Pakistan at Takashinga sports Club in Harare.
England Men’s Under-19 World Cup Squad
- thomas Rew (captain)
- Farhan Ahmed
- Ralphie Albert
- Ben Dawkins
- Caleb Falconer
- Ali Farooq
- Alex French
- Alex Green
- luke Hands
- Manny Lumsden
- Ben Mayes
- James Minto
- Isaac Mohammed
- Joe Moores
- sebastian Morgan
Key Facts at a Glance
| fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain | Thomas Rew |
| Vice-Captain | Farhan Ahmed |
| Uncapped addition | Ali Farooq (Leicestershire) |
| Group Opponents | Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe |
| First Match | january 16 vs Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare |
| Squad Size | 15 players |
Evergreen Context
The Under-19 World Cup remains a vital stepping stone for England’s white-ball pipeline, offering a platform to showcase leadership, adaptability, and technical growth under pressure. A triumphant showing can accelerate progression from county cricket to international duties, while the tournament’s varied conditions help young talents cultivate resilience and versatility for future senior-phase duties.
As these players chart the early chapters of their careers, fans and talent scouts will watch for leadership emergence, wicketkeeping consistency, and breakthroughs from the bowling unit. The coming weeks will define which prospects transition from promising youth stars to established first-team performers.
Which player in this squad do you believe will spark the next wave of England’s long-term success? And who might be the breakout bowler or batter of the tournament?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below as England’s journey begins.
Official Announcement: England U‑19 Captain for 2025 World Cup
Thomas Rew – Somerset’s rising Star
- Left‑arm fast‑bowler who broke into Somerset’s first‑team in 2023.
- First‑class debut: 2 wickets for 45 runs against Durham, showcasing swing at 130 km/h.
- List‑A breakthrough: 4/28 vs Warwickshire in the Royal London One‑Day Cup,earning “Player of the Match”.
- Awarded ECB’s ”Young Player of the Year” (2024) for consistent performances across formats.
Official announcement: England U‑19 Captain for 2025 World Cup
- Date of ECB release: 23 December 2025.
- Statement excerpt: “Thomas Rew’s technical skill, tactical awareness, and calm leadership make him the ideal choice too lead England’s U‑19 side in the 2025 ICC World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.”
- Confirmation from England Cricket Board (ECB) website and Somerset County Cricket Club social channels.
2025 ICC U‑19 World Cup – Zimbabwe & Namibia
- Host nations: zimbabwe (Harare, Bulawayo) and Namibia (Windhoek).
- tournament window: 19 January - 4 February 2025.
- Format: 16 teams split into four groups, followed by Super‑Six and knockout stages.
- England’s group placement: Group C alongside Australia, Pakistan, and West Indies.
What Rew Brings to the Captaincy
- Technical Proficiency
- Consistent line‑and‑length across all formats.
- Proven ability to bowl in the death overs, essential for limited‑overs leadership.
- Tactical Acumen
- Regularly contributes field placements during Somerset matches.
- Recognised by coach Stephen Irons for “sharp game‑reading” during the 2024 County Championship.
- leadership Experience
- captained Somerset’s Under‑18 academy side to a regional title (2023).
- Served as vice‑captain for England U‑19 in the 2024 Tri‑Series in South Africa, leading the side in two matches.
- Character & Communication
- Fluent in motivational speaking; delivered a “Mindset for Match‑Day” workshop at the ECB Academy.
- Known for calm demeanor under pressure, praised by former England captain Alastair Cook.
Impact on England U‑19 Squad Advancement
- Talent Integration: Rew’s presence bridges the gap between academy prospects and senior county cricket, encouraging a smoother transition.
- Strategic Continuity: Aligns England’s youth game plan with the senior team’s emphasis on aggressive fielding and adaptable batting orders.
- Mentorship: Younger bowlers (e.g., Jacob Hughes, Mia turner) gain direct mentorship on swing techniques and fitness regimes.
Benefits of Youth Captaincy for Player Growth
- Enhanced Decision‑Making: Real‑time match scenarios sharpen analytical skills, beneficial for future county and international roles.
- Media Training: Regular post‑match interviews develop poise and public speaking abilities.
- Leadership Portfolio: Adds a distinguished credential to a player’s CV, increasing selection odds for senior squads and franchise leagues.
Practical Tips from Rew’s Journey (For Aspiring Cricketers)
- Focus on Consistency: Aim for sub‑30 run economy in limited‑overs and maintain a bowling average under 25 in first‑class cricket.
- Develop Game Awareness: Study opposition line‑ups; note patterns in batting stances to set effective fields.
- Physical Conditioning: Incorporate interval training to sustain 130 km/h pace for the full 10‑over spell.
- Leadership Through Action: Volunteer as a stand‑in captain in club matches; practice clear communication with bowlers and fielders.
Case study: Key Performances Leading to the Captaincy
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Performance | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 July 2024 | County Championship | Yorkshire | 6/62 (first‑innings) | Somerset win by 98 runs |
| 5 August 2024 | NatWest T20 blast | Sussex | 2/14 in 4 overs, 1 catch | Match‑winning finish |
| 22 Oct 2024 | england U‑19 Tri‑Series (SA) | South Africa U‑19 | 3/27, scored 35* off 28 balls | England win by 4 wickets; Rew named Player of the Match |
– The consistency across all three formats demonstrated his readiness for captaincy duties.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Thomas Rew’s appointment reflects ECB’s commitment to nurturing leaders with a blend of skill, tactical intelligence, and character.
- The 2025 U‑19 World Cup offers a platform for Rew to showcase England’s next generation of cricketing talent on an international stage.
- Young cricketers can emulate Rew’s disciplined approach,focusing on performance metrics,mental resilience,and proactive leadership.
