After clinching a memorable win in the third Test at Lord's against India, England has announced its squad for the fourth Manchester Test, set to be played on July 23. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who suffered an injury, will miss the Test. The hosts have named off-spinner Liam Dawson as the replacement for the lanky player.
Despite copping a blow on his hand, the off-spinner showed determination and character to bowl late in the innings and also took the last wicket of Mohammed Siraj, to spark remarkable scenes at the Lord's Stadium. The last wicket partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and the India pacer frustrated the hosts a lot before Bashir's ball just turned enough to castle Siraj and give England a 22-run win in the third Test.
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However, the lanky spinner at least won't take part in the fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy as he will undergo surgery.
Also Read:Â IND vs ENG: Dinesh Karthik & Nasser Hussain reflect on India's heartbreaking loss at Lord's
Liam Dawson recalled after eight years in the Test format
With Shoaib Bashir also unsure for the fifth Test, England has named experienced spinner Dawson in the squad for the Manchester Test. The off-spinner will be making a comeback after an eight-year hiatus. He last played a Test in 2017. However, he has loads of County experience and also he has featured in a lot of T20 leagues around the globe. Dawson pipped the likes of Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks, and Jack Leach as a replacement player for Bashir.
Dawson also is a handy lower-order batter, and that might be one of the factors in selectors naming him in the squad. The spinner has so far featured in only three Tests. His last international series was a T20I one against West Indies, where he impressed with his performance. The off-spinner has 371 first-class wickets, along with 18 centuries to his name.
England selector Luke Wright said in the ECB release: "Liam Dawson deserves his call-up. He has been in outstanding form in the County Championship and consistently puts in strong performances for Hampshire."
Sam Cook and Jamie Overton were released from the squad to take part in County commitments, as the hosts named a 14-member squad for the fourth Test.
England Squad For 4th Test against India:
Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
