Veteran all-rounder Liam Dawson has been recalled to England’s Test squad for the fourth Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, set to take place at Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23–27.
This marks Dawson’s first Test call-up in eight years, following an injury to off-spinner Shoaib Bashir during the Lord’s Test. Bashir sustained a fracture to his left finger but continued to bat, bowl, and even took the match-winning wicket as Mohammed Siraj was bowled in unusual fashion. The 21-year-old is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the series.
Dawson, who last featured in Test cricket in 2016–17, brings significant red-ball experience, with over 300 first-class wickets to his name. Despite a long absence from the international scene, the 34-year-old made a strong return during England’s recent T20I series against the West Indies, where he claimed career-best figures of 4 for 20.
Dawson deserves the call-up: Wright
“Liam Dawson deserves his call-up. He has been in outstanding form in the County Championship and consistently puts in strong performances for Hampshire,” England men’s national selector, Luke Wright, was quoted as saying.
Long viewed as a likely replacement for Bashir, Dawson has edged out fellow spinners Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, and Rehan Ahmed. His consistent all-round performances in county cricket make him a valuable asset, particularly with his ability to strengthen the batting line-up at No. 8.
In another squad adjustment, Sam Cook has been dropped, while Jamie Overton retains his place, despite not having played in the series so far. Meanwhile, fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who is recovering from injury, is also in the mix for a return to the playing XI.
England squad for the 4th Test vs India:
Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Jacob Bethell, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson.
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