Liam Dawson Returns to England Test Squad After Eight-Year Gap

Veteran Spinner Replaces Injured Shoaib Bashir for Fourth Test

Liam Dawson is set to make his first Test appearance in eight years after being named in England’s playing XI for the fourth Test against India, which begins on Wednesday at Old Trafford, Manchester.

The 35-year-old left-arm spinner replaces Shoaib Bashir, who was ruled out after sustaining a broken finger during England’s dramatic win in the third Test at Lord’s. England currently lead the five-match series 2-1 and will clinch the series with a victory in Manchester—their first in a five-Test format since 2018.

Long-Awaited Comeback for Dawson

Dawson, a Hampshire stalwart, will earn his fourth Test cap. His last appearance came in July 2017 against South Africa. Remarkably, England have played 102 Tests since then—making Dawson’s return one of the longest gaps between caps in English cricket history. Only six players have experienced longer intervals.

Besides his spin bowling, Dawson also strengthens the lower-middle order with the bat. He has scored 18 first-class centuries and boasts a batting average of 35.29—higher than some current top-order players like Zak Crawley.

From World Cup Glory to Test Recall

After playing a role in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, Dawson’s international future looked uncertain. He had brief stints in white-ball cricket, but spent over three years away from the national setup. A surprise recall came earlier this summer for the T20 series against the West Indies in May.

Though Dawson admitted he was “realistic” about his Test prospects at the start of the season, he has now leapfrogged centrally contracted spinner Jack Leach for a spot in the Test team.

Praise from Inside the Camp

England batter Harry Brook lauded Dawson’s return, highlighting his wealth of experience and competitive nature.

“He’s very skilful, very competitive, and has played hundreds of games. He’ll be nervous, as he was before his T20 comeback, but he’ll let his experience and skills take over,” said Brook.

Woakes Retains Spot; Atkinson Left Out

Chris Woakes retains his place in the squad after a strong showing at Lord’s, where he took four wickets. Despite being declared fit after a hamstring injury, Gus Atkinson was not selected. The decision factored in Woakes’ strong record at Old Trafford, where he averages 17 with the ball and nearly 37 with the bat.

Atkinson, having played just one club game in the past two months, will now return to Surrey’s second XI to build up match fitness.

Injuries and Indian Squad Changes

England pacer Mark Wood will miss the rest of the series as he recovers from knee surgery. He is now eyeing a comeback for the white-ball series against South Africa later this summer.

India, meanwhile, have confirmed that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is out for the remainder of the series with a knee injury. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who suffered a finger injury in the third Test, has been seen practicing in the nets and looks likely to return.

A final call on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion is yet to be made. The pacer was initially scheduled to play three Tests, having already appeared in two. With the series on the line, India may opt to bring him back for the fourth Test.

Old Trafford Stakes and Historical Records

England have a strong recent record at Old Trafford, having lost only two of their last 20 Tests at the venue. India, notably, are unbeaten in all nine of their Test matches played in Manchester, dating back to 1936.

With England 2-1 ahead, the upcoming Test could seal the series. For India, it’s a must-win to stay alive and push the contest to a decider.

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FAQs

Q: Why is Liam Dawson playing in the fourth Test?

A: Dawson replaces Shoaib Bashir, who is out with a broken finger.

Q: When did Dawson last play a Test match?

A: His last Test appearance was in July 2017 against South Africa.

Q: What is Dawson’s role in the team?

A: He is a slow left-arm spinner and a capable lower-order batsman.

Q: Why was Gus Atkinson left out despite being fit?

A: Although fit, Atkinson lacked recent match practice, and Woakes’ record at Old Trafford gave him the edge.

Q: What is the series score between England and India?

A: England lead the five-match series 2-1.