Trisha Ghosal in Manchester
It was England’s day, eventually. After being kept wicketless through the morning by India’s top order, they stormed back in the afternoon with Ben Stokes leading the charge. But amid the usual suspects, it was Liam Dawson who made a quiet, impactful return to Test cricket. Having last played a red-ball Test in December 2016, Dawson’s comeback was one of the day’s undercurrents. At stumps, he opened up on nerves, old scars, and new clarity.
“Thought Test cricket was gone”: On returning after eight years
“To be honest, at my age, I thought Test cricket was gone,” Dawson admitted. “So to be back involved is really cool. I’ve just got to enjoy each day I get. Of course I was nervous, not played in so many years. But the older you get, the more you learn to manage it.”
“Hope he’s alright”: On Pant’s injury
Dawson was among the first to acknowledge the seriousness of Rishabh Pant’s injury. “Didn’t look great, that,” he said. “Obviously thoughts with him. He’s a big player for them. I don’t think we’ll see him again in this game.”
“Test cricket is different gravy”: On first-day wicket and the pressure
Dawson got one breakthrough but didn’t celebrate much. “Look, it’s just one wicket, nothing special. Test cricket’s a different level compared to domestic. But yeah, it’s nice to contribute early.”
On field placements and captaincy conversations with Stokes
“Stokesy’s very open. We had a good chat a few days ago about fields, plans. He’s relaxed but decisive, he might come to me, I might go to him. There’s good trust.”
“The red ball disappears into the crowd sometimes”: On visibility issues
When asked about Ben Stokes not being able to see while fielding, Dawson offered a visual insight: “Some stands are darker. With the red ball, sometimes it blends in. It’s not easy.”
“I forgot I scored 110 here in county cricket”: On home advantage
Asked if past performances at Old Trafford helped, Dawson shrugged: “Did I? I completely forgot about that. No, this is a different beast.”
“I’m a better bowler now”: On growth, rhythm, and age
“I’ve bowled a lot more overs in the last few years,” Dawson said. “You learn more about the game, conditions, and how batters think. You still have tough days, but I feel I’m a better bowler now.”
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