England have brought veteran left-arm spinner Liam Dawson back into the national Test squad for the upcoming fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester. The 35-year-old replaces young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the series after sustaining a fractured finger during the third Test at Lord’s.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Dawson’s recall as part of the revised 14-man squad set to face India from July 23. Bashir’s injury occurred while fielding off his own bowling on the first day at Lord’s. Despite fracturing his little finger, Bashir returned to bowl later in the match and took the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj, sealing a memorable 22-run win for England. However, follow-up scans confirmed the extent of the injury, and surgery has been scheduled, ruling him out of the final two Tests.
Dawson’s selection marks a remarkable comeback after a prolonged absence from the Test format. He last played a Test match for England in 2017 against South Africa. Since then, he has remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket for Hampshire and has also represented England in limited-overs formats, including being part of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad. More recently, Dawson has impressed in T20 competitions, showcasing his accuracy with the ball and resilience with the bat.
His recall reflects both form and versatility. In the past two county seasons, Dawson has been among the most consistent all-rounders in England, earning the PCA Player of the Year award in 2023 and 2024. With more than 370 first-class wickets and over 10,000 runs, he brings a wealth of experience and a balanced skillset to the England lineup. His ability to contribute in both departments could be particularly valuable on a Manchester pitch expected to offer assistance to spinners.
England captain Ben Stokes praised Bashir’s bravery in playing through the pain at Lord’s and commended his role in England’s series lead. However, with Bashir unavailable, selectors have opted for a dependable, seasoned option. Dawson’s inclusion allows England to maintain a spin option without compromising on lower-order stability.
The fourth Test is crucial in the context of the series, with England currently leading 2–1 after their hard-fought victory at Lord’s. The team will aim to seal the series in Manchester, and Dawson could feature depending on pitch conditions and team composition. His return also offers strategic flexibility, especially if England choose to rest one of their frontline seamers.
While it remains to be seen whether Dawson will make the final XI, his inclusion is a testament to perseverance and consistent domestic performances. For England, his experience could prove crucial in a high-pressure Test match, especially in a series where spin has played a defining role.
With Shoaib Bashir sidelined and India expected to counter strongly in Manchester, Liam Dawson’s return provides England with a timely boost. Whether as a direct contributor on the field or as experienced depth in the squad, his presence adds another layer of confidence to England’s evolving campaign.