Liam Dawson made a triumphant return to Test cricket after eight years, taking a key wicket as England dominated India on the first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The 35-year-old spinner, playing his first Test since 2016, dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal in his second over, celebrating with characteristic intensity before quickly refocusing on the next challenge.
Dawson's performance stood out on a day when several other England spinners—Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, and Rehan Ahmed—also impressed in county cricket. Despite little turn on the pitch, Dawson's competitive spirit, praised by teammates Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, shone through. Stokes noted Dawson's willingness to fight for the team, a quality evident in his sharp bowling and field placements.
India captain Shubman Gill, who admitted confusion after losing the toss, was dismissed cheaply, leaving a delivery from Stokes that would have hit the stumps. Gill had earlier expressed hope that luck would turn for India, but the day saw further misfortune as Rishabh Pant suffered a foot injury and Jaiswal's bat was damaged.
Stokes's decision to bowl first at Old Trafford continued his trend of defying tradition; no team had previously won a Test after choosing to field at this venue, though rain had affected a 2023 match. England's disciplined bowling and fielding put them in a strong position, with Dawson's return providing a significant boost.
