Liam Dawson has played 3 Test matches, taking 7 wickets with a best of 2/34 and scoring 84 runs, including a top score of 66. Debuting against India in 2016, he last appeared in 2017. Known for his left-arm spin and batting ability, Dawson continues to be a valuable all-rounder.
Liam Dawson has been added to England’s squad for the fourth test against India
On Tuesday, July 15, England named their squad for the fourth Test of the five-match series against India, scheduled to begin on July 23 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
A notable inclusion is spinner Liam Dawson, who will make a remarkable comeback to the Test side after an eight-year gap. Dawson last represented England in a Test match against South Africa in July 2017.
He replaces Shoaib Bashir, the right-arm spinner who was forced to withdraw after breaking his finger during the third Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Bashir’s injury rules him out of the remainder of the series.
Liam Dawson recall follows his impressive performances in the 2025 County Championship, where he showcased strong all-round abilities with the ball and bat. His experience and skill with left-arm orthodox spin provide England with an important bowling option for the crucial penultimate match of the series.
What is Liam Dawson’s record in test cricket?
Liam Dawson, an English all-rounder, has had a short yet memorable Test career. He made his debut against India in December 2016 at Chennai and played his last Test in July 2017 against South Africa. In total, Dawson featured in three Test matches, where he showcased glimpses of his talent with both bat and ball.
As a batter, Dawson scored 84 runs in six innings at an average of 21.00, with his highest score being an unbeaten 66 on debut. This knock, coming from the No. 8 position, remains his most significant contribution in the longest format and is one of the notable debut innings by an English lower-order batter.
With the ball, Dawson bowled left-arm orthodox spin and served as a supporting bowler rather than a strike option. He took 7 wickets across his three Tests at an average of 42.57, with best figures of 2/34. While he did not claim any five-wicket hauls, his control and ability to hold an end were valued by the team management during his short stint. In the field, he also took two catches.
Despite his limited Test exposure, Dawson has been a consistent performer in county cricket, amassing over 10,000 first-class runs and 370 wickets. His reliability in both departments earned him a surprise recall in July 2025 for the fourth Test against India, eight years after his last appearance. This decision followed his outstanding domestic form, where he picked up over 20 wickets in the County Championship and scored valuable runs.
Although Dawson’s Test record may seem modest, his debut innings and all-round credentials underline his resilience. With a recall at 35, he now has a rare opportunity to add new chapters to his international career and prove his enduring value to English cricket.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 3 |
| Wickets Taken | 7 (in 5 innings) |
| Bowling Average | 42.57 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 2/34 |
| Runs Scored | 84 (in 6 innings) |
| Highest Score | 66 |
| Test Debut | December 2016 vs India |
| Last Test | 2017 |
