Liam Dawson will make a stunning comeback to the Test fray after eight years, as England included him in the playing XI for the decisive fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India at Old Trafford, beginning on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old all-rounder replaces off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who broke his finger while playing in the thrilling Test match at Lord's. Bashir continued bowling in agony and took the last wicket to ensure England gained a 2-1 series lead.
After the Lord's Test, Bashir was operated on to correct the damage, with a wire inserted in his left pinkie to aid the healing process. In his absence, Dawson, a left-arm orthodox spinner and useful lower-order batsman, returns to the Test ranks for the first time since his last outing against South Africa in July 2017.
Dawson's return is a great milestone in a year already accomplished in reviving his international career. He was recalled into England's T20I team earlier this summer, having been away for three years, and made an instant impact taking 4 for 20 against the West Indies in a Harry Brook-led game.
"He's a cunning, old fox," Brook said at Old Trafford. "He's extremely experienced and a very talented cricketer. He's played all over, played everybody, so hopefully he can produce a brilliant performance this week.".
“As we’ve seen over the Test series, the footholes have been for the left-handed batters outside off, so hopefully he can land it in the footholes and create a bit of spice and some opportunities to take wickets.”
Brook also praised Dawson’s approach to the game: “He’s willing to always fight for the team, he’s very competitive, and it’s good to have him here.”
Dawson's work in domestic cricket has been phenomenal in recent seasons. In the years since 2021, he has taken 12 of his 15 five-wicket hauls in his career and has nine centuries to his credit. His brilliant 2024 season saw him receive the PCA Men's Player of the Year accolade, which solidified his place as one of the leading performing all-rounders in county cricket.
England have not otherwise changed their team, with Jamie Smith still wearing the gloves. The side goes into the fourth Test hoping to clinch the series victory at home in Manchester.
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
Read also| Karun Nair Criticized Ahead of India-England 4th Test: ‘Not Expected from a No. 3’
