Liam Dawson Returns to England Test Squad as Replacement for Injured Shoaib Bashir

England has recalled experienced all-rounder Liam Dawson for the 4th Test against India, replacing injured spinner Shoaib Bashir. Dawson, 35, last played a Test for England in 2017 and has three Test caps to his name. He was drafted into the squad due to his impressive domestic form with Hampshire, including 21 wickets and 536 runs in the 2024 season. Dawson's inclusion marks a potential return to red-ball international cricket after nearly eight years.

England has recalled experienced all-rounder Liam Dawson for the fourth Test against India, replacing injured spinner Shoaib Bashir. Dawson, 35, last played a Test for England in 2017 and has three Test caps to his name. He was drafted into the squad due to his impressive domestic form with Hampshire, including 21 wickets and 536 runs in the 2024 season. Dawson's inclusion marks a potential return to red-ball international cricket after nearly eight years [1].

The selection comes after Bashir suffered a fracture to his finger during the third Test on Saturday. Bashir is set for surgery later this week and will miss the remainder of the series. Dawson's selection was praised by England's national selector, Luke Wright, who noted that Dawson has been in outstanding form in the County Championship and has consistently put in strong performances for Hampshire [2].

Dawson's selection is seen as a reward for his remarkable domestic form. Representing Hampshire, he has been one of the most consistent performers in the County Championship. In the 2024 season, he claimed 21 wickets at an economy of 2.55, while also contributing significantly with the bat, scoring 536 runs at an average of 44.66, including a top score of 139. His all-round performances earned him the PCA Player of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024 [3].

The fourth Test in Manchester starts on July 23. England squad: Ben Stokes (Captain), 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 [1].

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/dawson-replaces-injured-bashir-england-squad-fourth-test-2025-07-15/
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/15/england-call-up-liam-dawson-replace-shoaib-bashir-fourth-test-india-cricket
[3] https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/news/who-is-liam-dawson-spinner-replacing-bashir-for-eng-vs-ind-4th-test-125071500913_1.html