Liam Dawson has been added to England’s squad for the fourth Test against India, ending an eight-year absence from the longest format. The Hampshire all-rounder, 35, replaces Shoaib Bashir, who fractured his finger while fielding during the third Test at Lord’s.
Dawson’s return follows a successful reappearance in England’s T20 side after a three-year gap. He has been rewarded for outstanding red-ball form, taking 49 first-class wickets in 2023 and 54 in 2024. This season he has 21 wickets, while Jack Leach leads the County Championship with 32 but was overlooked.
Selectors preferred Dawson to Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks and Tom Hartley, all spinners with recent Test experience. England selector Luke Wright said: “Liam Dawson deserves his call-up. He has been in outstanding form in the County Championship and consistently puts in strong performances for Hampshire.”
Dawson is a superior batter to Bashir or Leach, with a first-class average of 44.66 this summer and 18 centuries overall. Bashir, despite his injury, batted in England’s second innings and bowled on the final day, taking the decisive wicket in a 22-run victory. Captain Ben Stokes praised his courage.
Essex’s Sam Cook and Surrey’s Jamie Overton, both in the squad for the third Test, have been released to play in the County Championship. Gus Atkinson retains his place after recovering from a hamstring injury. In other news, Jimmy Anderson and 17-year-old Rocky Flintoff were selected in the Hundred wildcard draft, joining Manchester Originals and Northern Superchargers respectively.
