England named its XI playing for Manchester test against India, starting with July 23, while experienced versatile Liam Dawson returned to the test side after eight years of absence. The 35-year-old replaces the Shoaib Bashira, which was expelled from the rest of the series after breaking his left hand during England for an exciting victory in Lord’s. The off-spinner injured his left-hand index finger and had to undergo surgery after the match. Dawson was called as his replacement and now finds himself back in England Whites because the hosts lead the five-match series 2-1.
Who is Liam Dawson?
Dawson made his debut in 2016 – by chance against India in Chennai – he best remembered the Karun Nair undefeated 303. His latest test appearance came in 2017 against South Africa in Nottingham.
Since then, he may have fallen from the test radar, but Dawson was a pillar of consistency for Hampshire. The slow orthodox left arm pitching played 212 of the first matches, scored 10,731 runs and used 371 goals-Consciousness of his versatile abilities.
In the ongoing season of the district championship in the 2025 Dawson district again. Of the nine matches, he accumulated 536 runs on average 44.66, which made him this season Hampshire the highest run. He also contributed 21 goals with the ball – he further emphasized his value of a reliable versatile.
When England is preparing for the fourth test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Dawson comes like a similar replacement for Bashir-i when twisting. While Bashir offered a more conventional rotation option, Dawson brings another depth with the bat. A reliable dough with a lower order that can mix with control, Dawson’s inclusion suggests a desire in England to strengthen their launch, especially with Brydon Carse, who has now rushed to No. 10.
Interestingly, Dawson’s first class launchers exceeds the record of each player in the current Indian trial group. The closest challenge is Karun Nair, with 8 601 runs – even more than 2,000 short Dawson sums. At the age of 35, the return of Dawson is not just a solution to stop the gap, but a deserved reward for years of consistent excellence in the domestic cricket.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
22 July 2025
