MANCHESTER — England have named spinner Liam Dawson in their playing XI for the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, marking his first appearance in the longest format in eight years. The 34-year-old left-arm bowler replaces Shoaib Bashir, who struggled for impact in the previous match at Trent Bridge.
Dawson, who last played a Test in December 2016 against India in Chennai, has been recalled due to his recent form in domestic cricket and his ability to exploit the expected turn at Old Trafford. His inclusion adds depth to England’s spin department alongside part-time off-spinner Joe Root, with captain Ben Stokes opting for a balanced attack on a pitch known to assist spinners as the game progresses.
A Long-Awaited Recall
Dawson’s return to the Test squad comes after consistent performances for Hampshire in the County Championship, where he has taken 32 wickets at an average of 24.56 this season. His ability to bowl tight lines and extract turn has made him a standout performer, earning him a recall ahead of younger spinners like Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach, who remains sidelined with injury.
Speaking ahead of the match, England head coach Brendon McCullum praised Dawson’s resilience: "Liam’s been knocking on the door for a while. His experience and control give us a different dimension, especially on a pitch that might deteriorate."
The Challenge Against India’s Batting
India’s formidable batting lineup, featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, will pose a stern test for Dawson. However, his record in English conditions—where he has often outbowled more celebrated spinners—suggests he could thrive. Key factors in his favor include:
- His accuracy and ability to build pressure
- Experience in high-pressure situations, including T20 leagues
- A strong record against left-handed batsmen
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes Dawson’s recall is well-deserved: "He’s not a mystery spinner, but he’s clever. If the pitch offers anything, he’ll exploit it."
A Pivotal Role in the Series
With the series tied 1-1, England’s decision to play Dawson highlights their intent to attack India’s middle order, which has shown vulnerability against left-arm spin. His inclusion also allows Stokes to rotate his seamers more effectively, reducing their workload in what is expected to be a grueling five-day contest.
Dawson’s last Test appearance saw him take 2/129 in India’s mammoth 759/7 declared. Reflecting on his return, he said: "It’s been a long road back, but I’ve never stopped believing I could contribute at this level."
Fan and Expert Reactions
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While some fans applaud the selectors for rewarding county form, others question whether Dawson, at 34, is a long-term solution. Cricket analyst Michael Atherton noted: "This is a horses-for-courses selection. If he performs, it justifies the call; if not, it’ll be seen as overly conservative."
Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma played down the significance of Dawson’s recall: "We’ve faced him before. It’s about playing the conditions, not the bowler."
Conclusion: A Test of Patience and Skill
Dawson’s return is a testament to his perseverance. While his role may be limited to this Test, a strong performance could extend his international career. For England, his selection is a calculated gamble—one that could tilt the series in their favor if Old Trafford’s pitch behaves as anticipated.
As McCullum put it: "Test cricket rewards those who wait. Liam’s earned this chance, and we’re backing him to deliver." The cricketing world will be watching closely to see if Dawson can seize his moment after an eight-year wait.