Ben Stokes Praises Liam Dawson's Return Ahead of Crucial Test Against India
Liam Dawson's Comeback to Test Cricket
Manchester [UK], July 22: As England prepares for the pivotal fourth Test against India, captain Ben Stokes has expressed his admiration for Liam Dawson, who is making a return to the Test squad after an eight-year hiatus. Stokes highlighted Dawson's wealth of experience and emphasized how consistent domestic performances can keep a player relevant in the cricketing world.
With England leading the series 2-1, this match is critical for both teams. Dawson, who last played for England in July 2017, steps in following the injury of spinner Shoaib Bashir. In his Test career, Dawson has played three matches, scoring 84 runs, including a half-century, and taking seven wickets. He recently made a comeback to the white-ball format against the West Indies, where he claimed five wickets in three games.
Over the years, Dawson has been a consistent performer for Hampshire, amassing 10,731 runs in 212 first-class matches at an average of 35.29, with 18 centuries and 56 fifties, alongside 371 wickets at an average of 31.54.
During a pre-match press conference, Stokes remarked, “Dawson has been in excellent form for Hampshire. His recall to the white-ball team is a testament to his abilities. His extensive experience will certainly help him reintegrate into the team, even if there are some nerves about returning after such a long break.”
Dawson, now 35, is determined to showcase his skills, stating that he refuses to let age be a limiting factor. “This just proves that hard work and consistent performances keep you in the conversation,” he noted.
Stokes acknowledged his long-standing relationship with Dawson, mentioning that his competitive spirit often goes unnoticed. “He contributes significantly with the ball, and having him in the lower order is a bonus. Although we hope not to rely on his batting too much, he has certainly earned his spot due to his hard work and performances in various leagues,” Stokes added.
In the latest County Championship, Dawson scored 536 runs in nine matches, averaging 44.36, with one century and two half-centuries, while also taking 21 wickets at an average of 40.04.
Stokes also defended the decision to select veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes over young pacer Gus Atkinson, citing Woakes' impressive record at Old Trafford and the control he brings to the bowling attack. “Woakes has a strong track record here, and we’ve won two of the first three matches with a similar bowling lineup. His experience is invaluable, especially after our recent victory,” he explained.
Despite not being at his peak during this series, with seven wickets at an average of 56.42, Woakes has a remarkable history at Old Trafford, having taken 35 wickets in just seven Tests at an average of 17.37, including two five-wicket hauls.
Woakes is on the brink of joining the elite 400-wicket club in international cricket, currently sitting at 392 wickets from 215 matches, with an impressive average of 29.39.
England's Playing XI includes: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.