Nasser Hussain Advocates for Liam Dawson's Inclusion in England's T20 World Cup Squad
Dawson's Stellar Performance Sparks Call for Selection
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has called for the inclusion of experienced left-arm spinner Liam Dawson in the squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. This recommendation follows Dawson's impressive performance in the opening match of the series against the West Indies, where he showcased his skills.
In his 12th T20 International appearance and his first in three years, Dawson earned the Player of the Match title with remarkable bowling figures of 4 wickets for 20 runs, contributing significantly to England's 21-run victory.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka early next year, both of which are known for their spin-friendly pitches. Despite a sporadic international career, Hussain believes that the 35-year-old spinner should be part of the tournament.
Hussain remarked, "Many have been advocating for his return to the team for years. He has excelled with Hampshire and various franchises globally. His mindset as a former batter allows him to think strategically, using quick variations before delivering a well-placed ball."
He further praised Dawson's understanding of the game, stating, "It was a masterclass in left-arm spin bowling. Having him back is fantastic, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching in India and Sri Lanka; he must be included."
England's captain, Harry Brook, who has led the team to four consecutive victories in white-ball matches, is also considering strategies for the T20 World Cup. Before the tournament, England is set to play 14 T20 Internationals.
Brook commented, "While we shouldn't look too far ahead, we need to experiment with our lineup. The next World Cup will be in Sri Lanka and India. We're still figuring out our team structure, but this approach worked well this time."
He added, "Having two skilled front-line spinners makes a significant impact. Dawson and Adil Rashid have extensive experience in T20 cricket, familiar with the venues and opponents, which will be beneficial for our future matches."