Liam Dawson Returns to England's Test Squad After 8 Years

Think back to July 2017. That was the last time Liam Dawson wore England’s Test whites, facing South Africa at The Oval. Fast forward 2,928 days, and here he is again—at 35 years old, called up for the crucial Fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. The reason? A finger injury forced young Shoaib Bashir out, and England decided to roll the dice on experience. It’s not often you see a player return to Test cricket in his mid-thirties after such a long gap, especially in a side always hungry for fresh talent.

The move isn’t just a reaction to bad luck. England needed balance in their squad, and Dawson fits the bill as a spin-bowling all-rounder. He’s been working hard in county cricket and consistently performing, never fully leaving the radar of selectors even as young guns came and went. Many expected England to opt for youth, but this time they wanted someone with a cool head and know-how—Liam Dawson ticked both boxes. "At my age, I thought Test cricket was behind me," Dawson confessed, showing just how surreal this opportunity feels for him.

Dawson’s Performance and Tactical Edge

Thrown straight into action on Day 1, Dawson didn’t waste time making his mark. He bowled 15 overs with classic control, finishing with figures of 1 for 45. More importantly, he broke through the strong Indian opening with the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, a batter in hot form this series. Jaiswal misjudged a flighted ball and got caught by Harry Brook at slip. It’s the kind of breakthrough you get from someone who’s seen it all—cunning, not just youthful aggression.

Dawson himself admits he’s changed as a player. "I’m a better bowler now. Before, I didn’t understand what to expect." Years of county cricket have sharpened his game: better drift, more consistency, and a real knack for building pressure. That’s exactly what England needed, especially after India’s top order looked comfortable against pace in previous matches. The team wanted more control in the middle overs, and Dawson’s approach brings that in spades.

Reactions poured in from all sides. Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s own star spinner, even complimented Dawson’s work on social media, recognizing his tactical smarts. Players like Ashwin know there’s more to spin than just turning the ball—sometimes, it’s about subtlety and reading the moment. England’s management has clearly decided that seasoned heads are just as valuable as raw pace or power right now. By relying on someone who can chip in with the bat as well, England keeps their lineup flexible and ready for anything.

Watching Dawson walk onto Old Trafford’s field again reminds us that cricket careers rarely follow a straight line. England’s decision wasn’t just about patching up the squad; it was about giving a battle-hardened pro one more chance to shine under pressure. This Manchester Test will show if that gamble pays off. For now, Dawson’s comeback is already a feel-good story and proof that persistence and experience still have a place in the modern game. For both England fans and cricket lovers, it’s a moment worth savoring.