Highly rated Somerset wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew has been appointed captain of England’s squad for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia in January and February. The 18-year-old returns to lead the side after missing England Under-19s’ recent Caribbean tour due to his involvement with the England Lions in Australia.
Rew has enjoyed a rapid rise, making his first-class debut for England Lions against Australia A earlier this month and featuring for Somerset in the County Championship while still just 17. He also holds the record for the fastest England Under-19 century, a blistering 73-ball hundred against India in June, underlining his status as one of England’s brightest young prospects.
He will be supported by Nottinghamshire offspinner Farhan Ahmed, who is named vice-captain after leading the side in Rew’s absence in the West Indies. Ahmed, the younger brother of England international Rehan Ahmed, remains a key figure in a largely settled 15-man squad, with Leicestershire left-arm spinner Ali Farooq the only new inclusion, earning his maiden call-up.
England Under-19s head coach Mike Yardy expressed confidence in the group’s balance and cohesion ahead of the global tournament. He highlighted the value of county experience within the squad and the strong camaraderie built over recent months, which he believes will be crucial in high-pressure World Cup conditions.
England have been placed in Group C, alongside Pakistan, Scotland, and hosts Zimbabwe, and will open their campaign against Pakistan at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on January 16. With leadership experience, proven match-winners, and growing depth across departments, England will head into the tournament aiming to make a deep run and challenge strongly for the title.
England Men’s Under-19 World Cup squad:
Thomas Rew (C), 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.
