England kick off their New Zealand Test Series on Wednesday as Brendon McCullum’s side travel to England ended their 2024 on a high as they took victory in New Zealand in a three match test series that saw them come out as 2-1 winners. After a lengthy month-long break, they will be back in action this week as they begin their tour of India in a Twenty20 match against Suryakumar Yadav’s side. With a tough challenge up ahead on Indian soil, here at Engage we take a look at some of the up and coming players who could have a big year for England in 2025!
With some stunning performances over the 2024 Domestic Season and an Ashes Series just around the corner in 2025, England will be keen to make sure they include the best of the best in their lineup. But who will make the cut for Brendon McCullum’s side this year?
First up on the list is Essex middle order batsman Jordan Cox. The 23 year-old earned his first England call up in August with his impressive form for his county averaging 65.57. He also totted up over 900 runs, the second highest in division one in 2024. He is yet to make his full debut for England, however, if his impressive form is maintained then he will certainly be on Brendon McCullum’s radar in 2025.
Second on the list is a face that has featured in an England lineup before, however, not for 3 years. Wicketkeeper James Bracey had a consistently excellent summer in 2024 for Gloucestershire making four centuries, over 1000 runs and averaging 61.17 while contributing to 58 dismissals behind the stumps.
Bracey was most well remembered for his stunning performance in July against Glamorgan that certainly raised a few eyebrows. Bracey not only made a stunning one-handed, gloveless catch but he also made a sublime double century boosting his odds of an international callup this year.
In the T20 Blast campaign 26 year-old Michael Pepper came up with the batting performance of the tournament as his stunning 120 not out was the highest individual score of the Blast. It also helped him to rack up the third highest number of runs overall with 535. The Essex man made an unbeaten 120 runs from 53 deliveries against Sussex last summer to pull off a brilliant batting display and steer Essex to an unlikely victory.
Although not included in this tour of India, Pepper will have caught the eyes of selectors and he could be a face that we see in the England setup over the course of 2025.
Talented youngster, Shoaib Bashir is another player who will look to impress in 2025. Bashir made his senior international debut for England in February 2024 also claiming his maiden test 5-for in only his second match. Furthemore, the 21 year-old Somerset spinner became the youngest England player ever to take a 5-for at home when McCullum’s side faced the West Indies in July.
Bashir is not included as of yet in the tour of India, however, he has been called up to the England Lions’ tour of Australia in the hope that he gains some more experience before catching the eye of selectors, before the Ashes later in the year.
Another talented youngster that took 2024 by storm was Jacob Bethell. The Warwickshire batsman has certainly fulfilled expectations since his England debut back in September, earning his first selection of 2025 against India. He will look to impress once again after averaging 57.66 runs across seven matches in international T20s last year, while also making 260 runs across three test matches to complete a brilliant 2024.
If the 21-year old can maintain this stellar form there is no reason why he can’t be a familiar face in the England camp throughout 2025. Can he spur England on to win the Ashes Down Under for the first time since 1987?
With some scintillating performances on show in 2024, who are you excited to see in 2025? With plenty of talent on show, McCullum and the selectors certainly have a tough gig on their hands to make sure England are fully armed in what is expected to be a challenging year. How do you think they will get on? Engage Hospitality are offering brilliant packages for multiple days out at the cricket in 2025, from domestic cricket to international showdowns.
Enjoy your favourite cricketers live from the best seats in the house and watch as England take on India, South Africa and Australia in a range of formats in 2025 with Engage Hospitality.
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