Liam Dawson Earns Surprise England Recall for Crucial Fourth Test vs India After Eight-Year Hiatus

In a dramatic twist ahead of the England vs India 4th Test, spin-bowling allrounder Liam Dawson has been recalled to England’s Test squad after an eight-year absence. With Shoaib Bashir ruled out due to a fractured finger, the door has swung wide open for Dawson—an experienced domestic performer who had all but written off red-ball returns—to potentially don the whites once again.

The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy kicks off on July 23 at Old Trafford, and England lead the five-match series 2-1 following their nail-biting 22-run victory at Lord’s. As anticipation builds, Dawson’s inclusion adds another layer of intrigue to an already gripping series.

From County Stalwart to England’s Unexpected Saviour?

Liam Dawson, now 35, last represented England in Tests back in July 2017, and has since been largely absent from long-form international cricket. However, his consistency in domestic cricket has not gone unnoticed.

In the ongoing County Championship 2024, Dawson has played all nine matches for Hampshire, taking 21 wickets at an average of 40.04 and contributing valuable runs down the order. His recent performances in the Vitality Blast—where he picked up 11 wickets in 10 games—have also underscored his all-round value.

National selector Luke Wright was full of praise for the veteran: “Liam Dawson deserves his call-up. He has been in outstanding form in the County Championship and consistently puts in strong performances for Hampshire,” Wright said in an ECB statement.

In 2023, Dawson was crowned Men’s Domestic MVP, followed by the PCA Player of the Year award in 2024. Despite falling out of favour post the 2019 ODI World Cup win, where he was a squad member, Dawson continued to excel at the county level and recently returned to the England T20I side. His spell of 4 for 20 against West Indies last month marked his best international bowling figures yet.

Ironically, Dawson himself had once said that Test cricket was “completely off the radar” in a 2023 interview with ESPNcricinfo. And yet, here he is—on the brink of an improbable comeback.

Injury Forces England’s Hand

Dawson’s recall comes after Shoaib Bashir, England’s rising off-spinner, fractured his left finger and was ruled out for the remainder of the series. Bashir had a memorable showing at Lord’s, claiming the final wicket to clinch a dramatic win for the hosts.

His absence leaves a significant void in England’s spin department, and Dawson—with his wealth of experience, calm temperament, and versatility—offers a reliable alternative.

England’s Squad for the 4th Test vs India

Can Dawson Deliver on the Big Stage?

Though he’s played just three Tests to date, Dawson brings a maturity and hunger that could prove crucial in the pivotal fourth Test. His left-arm spin offers variety in England’s bowling attack, and his gritty lower-order batting could be valuable in tight situations.

With England holding a slender series lead and India eager to bounce back, Dawson’s return is more than just a selection story—it’s a narrative of persistence, timing, and redemption.

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