England’s Test selection conversations have a new centerpiece — 21-year-old all-rounder Rehan Ahmed. The Leicestershire star has been the standout performer of the 2025 County Championship, producing a rare double of sustained batting brilliance and incisive bowling. With five centuries and 23 wickets at an average of 19, his name is now firmly in the frame for this year’s Ashes.
Ahmed’s most talked-about performance came against Derbyshire, where he not only scored a commanding century but also took an astonishing 13 wickets in the match — a feat unseen for an English player since Ian Botham achieved it in 1980. Such all-round dominance has been rare in recent English cricket, and it has triggered calls for his immediate inclusion in the Test setup.
What separates Ahmed from many other county stars is his genuine dual skillset. As a top-order batter, he plays with attacking intent yet possesses the technique to handle high-quality pace and spin. With the ball, his leg-spin has been both attacking and miserly, troubling right-handers and left-handers alike. His ability to change the course of a match with either discipline makes him a potential match-winner — something England’s Ashes plans could benefit from enormously.
Support from within the cricketing community has been vocal. His county captain has publicly questioned England’s recent selection calls that favored others over him, suggesting Ahmed could have been the difference in tight contests earlier this year. Former players and pundits have praised his temperament, with some comparing his fearlessness to that of young Ben Stokes.
From a strategic standpoint, Ahmed fits seamlessly into England’s current “Bazball” philosophy. He’s aggressive without being reckless, willing to take calculated risks, and thrives under pressure — qualities that align perfectly with the attacking mindset the team has embraced in recent years. At 21, he also represents a long-term investment, capable of serving England across formats for over a decade if managed well.
The buzz around Ahmed isn’t just about numbers, though those are impressive enough. It’s about the excitement of a player who can bat in the top six, bowl attacking spin, and field with energy — all in one package. England’s selectors often talk about “balance” in the side, and Ahmed offers that balance in abundance.
If the selectors reward form, impact, and adaptability over conservatism, there’s a strong chance Ahmed could debut in the Ashes and instantly become a household name. His inclusion wouldn’t just be a nod to his county heroics — it would be a signal that England are willing to trust youth, reward excellence, and embrace a brand of cricket that excites both players and fans.
In short, Rehan Ahmed isn’t just a wildcard option for the Ashes — he might be the injection of skill, flair, and unpredictability England needs to tilt the series in their favor.