In a move few had anticipated but many now welcome, Liam Dawson has been recalled to England’s Test squad for the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford — ending an eight-year absence from the longest format of the game.
The 35-year-old Hampshire all-rounder replaces young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who sustained a broken finger during England’s dramatic third Test win at Lord’s. With Bashir ruled out of the remainder of the series, Dawson has been brought in for what could be a pivotal showdown, as England lead the five-match series 2–1.
Dawson last played a Test in July 2017 against South Africa, and his return is a testament to consistent performance at the domestic level. Over the past two County Championship seasons, he’s been a standout performer — bagging 49 wickets in 2023, 54 in 2024, and already claiming 21 this summer. Add to that a batting average of 44.66 this season, and the selectors’ decision suddenly looks less like a gamble and more like a reward for persistence.
“He’s been nothing short of phenomenal in county cricket,” said England skipper Ben Stokes during a press interaction. “Daws brings experience, calm under pressure, and he gives us options with the bat as well. We’ve always known what he’s capable of.”
The call-up also reflects a need for versatility in the spin department. With Jack Leach out for the season and Rehan Ahmed not in contention, Dawson’s left-arm spin complements the current attack and adds much-needed depth to both bowling and lower-order batting.
While Dawson hasn’t donned the Test whites for England in eight years, he has remained active across formats — representing England in limited-overs cricket as recently as 2022 and serving as a reliable performer for Hampshire. Many in the cricket fraternity view this recall not just as a nod to his consistency, but also to the resilience of a player who never gave up hope.
Speaking to reporters, Dawson said, “Honestly, it feels a bit surreal. I’ve worked hard every season, just focusing on the process. If I get the chance to play, I’ll give it everything.”
The fourth Test begins on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford, with England eyeing a series-clinching victory. India, on the other hand, will be desperate to level the score and force a decider.
Either way, the return of Liam Dawson adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been a gripping summer of Test cricket.
