Ben Stokes Praises Liam Dawson's Return to Test Cricket Ahead of Crucial Match
Stokes Discusses Dawson's Comeback
As England prepares for their fourth Test against India in Manchester, 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 experience and emphasized how consistent domestic performances can keep a player relevant.
With England leading the series 2-1, this upcoming Test is pivotal for the team's prospects. Dawson steps in after spinner Shoaib Bashir was sidelined due to injury; Bashir last played for England in July 2017.
Dawson's Impressive Domestic Record
Dawson has played three Tests for England, accumulating 84 runs, including a half-century, and taking seven wickets. Recently, he returned to the white-ball format during the home series against the West Indies, where he claimed five wickets in three matches.
Over his career with Hampshire, Dawson has amassed 10,731 runs in 212 first-class matches, averaging 35.29, with 18 centuries and 56 fifties, alongside 371 wickets at an average of 31.54.
Stokes on Dawson's Experience
In a pre-match press conference, Stokes remarked on Dawson's consistent performance for Hampshire, stating, "He has been performing really well for Hampshire for a while now. I think he is getting recalled into the white-ball team as well. He showed that he can just come back in and get to work straight away."
Stokes acknowledged that while Dawson may feel some nerves returning after such a long absence, his extensive experience will be beneficial. "He is a very good cricketer, and I am excited for him this week," he added.
Dawson's Perspective on Age and Performance
At 35, Dawson is determined to demonstrate his abilities, refusing to let age dictate his career. He stated, "It just shows if you keep working hard and keep putting in good performances consistently, then you are always going to be spoken about and be there or thereabouts."
Stokes on Woakes' Selection
Stokes also defended the choice to include veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes over younger pacer Gus Atkinson, citing Woakes' impressive record at Old Trafford and the control he brings to the bowling attack.
"Woakes has got a very good record here, and it is one of those where we have managed to win two of the first three games pretty much with a very similar bowling attack," Stokes explained.
Woakes' Performance in the Series
Throughout the series, Woakes has struggled, taking seven wickets in three matches at an average of 56.42, with best figures of 3/84. However, he has an outstanding record at Old Trafford, with 35 wickets in just seven Tests at an average of 17.37.
Woakes is on the verge of a milestone, needing just eight more wickets to join the elite 400-wicket club in international cricket, currently standing at 392 wickets in 215 matches.
England's Playing XI
The England team for the upcoming match includes: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (w), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer.