Liam Dawson expressed excitement about his opportunity to play Test cricket again, particularly in light of Shoaib Bashir’s injury. Speaking with Sky Sports, he shared his initial nerves but felt more settled after bowling first. He acknowledged that at his age, he had thought his chances in Test cricket were over, making this moment particularly special. The first day of the Test match at Old Trafford saw India finish at 264 for 4, with notable performances including Sai Sudharsan’s 61 runs.
Dawson took a wicket in his first match back, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal with just his seventh ball. His performance, along with effective bowling from Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes, helped England maintain pressure on the Indian side, even as Rishabh Pant limped off the field clutching his foot after sustaining an injury while attempting a reverse sweep.
As the day ended, England’s bowlers noted a unique Test match atmosphere, different from domestic cricket, as they prepared for the following day with aspirations of bowling India out for under 375 runs.
The match unfolded as an intriguing competition, with both teams having moments of dominance. England will need to capitalize on their new ball opportunity in the morning to take additional Indian wickets.
Overall, Dawson’s return and the day’s play indicate a vibrant Test match ahead, with the potential for exciting performances from both teams in the following days. With so many players stepping up, fans can look forward to an engaging continuation of this series.