The England vs India Test series has already delivered gripping cricket, emotional rollercoasters, and career-defining performances. Now, with the series delicately poised at 2–1 in England’s favor, England have recalled Liam Dawson for the fourth Test at Old Trafford—a move that’s as intriguing as it is strategic.
The left-arm all-rounder returns to the Test fold after several years away, raising questions about England’s approach for the penultimate match of the series.
Who Is Liam Dawson?
For fans who associate Liam Dawson more with white-ball cricket or county circuits, here’s a refresher. A left-arm orthodox spinner and handy lower-order batter, Dawson made his Test debut in 2016 against India in Chennai. He impressed with both ball and bat on debut, but opportunities have been limited since, largely due to England’s shifting spin strategies and the rise of players like Jack Leach and Moeen Ali.
However, Dawson has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, known for his control, grit, and ability to contribute in both innings.
Why Recall Liam Dawson Now?
The recall of Liam Dawson signals a potential shift in England’s tactical mindset for the fourth Test. Several key factors may have influenced this decision:
1. Old Trafford Pitch Conditions
Manchester’s Old Trafford is known to assist spin—especially as the match wears on. With Shoaib Bashir ruled out due to a finger injury, England needed a reliable spin option to complement Joe Root and possibly rest one of their main pacers.
2. Balance and Batting Depth
Dawson provides the dual utility of a genuine spin bowler and a capable lower-order batter. His inclusion allows England to maintain a five-bowler strategy without compromising too much on batting depth.
3. Experience and Consistency
Though not flashy, Dawson is a safe pair of hands. His experience in pressure situations—especially in English conditions—could be vital in a Test that may decide the fate of the series.
Comparison: Liam Dawson vs Other Options
While England have young spinners like Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir in their ranks, the call-up for Liam Dawson suggests the selectors want experience and control over raw flair.
| Player | Bowling Style | Tests Played | Best Match Figures | Batting Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Dawson | Left-arm orthodox | 3 | 4/134 | 26.33 |
| Shoaib Bashir | Off-break | 2 | 5/83 | 10.00 |
| Rehan Ahmed | Leg-break | 1 | 5/48 | 9.50 |
Clearly, Dawson’s inclusion is about stabilizing the team with a known quantity.
England’s Possible XI with Liam Dawson
If Dawson plays, the balance of England’s XI could look like this:
-
Zak Crawley
-
Ben Duckett
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Joe Root
-
Harry Brook
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Ben Stokes (c)
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Jonny Bairstow (wk)
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Chris Woakes / James Anderson
-
Mark Wood
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Jofra Archer
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Shoaib Bashir / Gus Atkinson (if fit)
This XI gives England a balanced attack with pace, control, and spin variety.
India’s Response: Spin or Seam?
India, known for their spin dominance, might see Liam Dawson’s inclusion as a defensive measure. However, with Ravindra Jadeja dominating with the bat and ball, England will need Dawson to perform beyond just containment.
India will likely stick with their core group, but may consider bringing back Kuldeep Yadav or an additional seamer based on pitch assessment.
Final Thoughts: Can Liam Dawson Be the X-Factor?
While he may not be the flashiest name in England’s Test squad, Liam Dawson brings something invaluable: reliability, experience, and tactical depth. In a series this intense and closely fought, it often takes a quiet performer to make the loudest impact.
With Old Trafford set to host another thriller, all eyes will be on Dawson to see whether he justifies the faith shown by the selectors—and maybe, just maybe, writes a comeback story for the ages.
