In a notable adjustment to their lineup for the upcoming fourth Test against India, England has named Liam Dawson as a replacement for the injured Shoaib Bashir. The match is set to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester, beginning July 23, with England currently leading the five-match series 2-1.
Bashir, who suffered a fracture in his left-hand index finger during the third Test at Lord’s while attempting to block a powerful shot from India’s Ravindra Jadeja, will be unable to continue in the series after undergoing surgery. Despite this unfortunate injury, the 20-year-old delivered an impressive performance, including taking the final wicket to secure a thrilling 22-run victory for England at Lord’s.
Dawson, who last participated in a Test match in July 2017 against South Africa, returns to the team after showcasing strong form in county cricket. As a seasoned player, he brings significant experience, boasting over 10,000 runs in first-class cricket—an impressive feat unmatched by any member of the current Indian squad, where Karun Nair leads with 8,601 runs.
The context surrounding the series has been electrifying, with England previously winning the first Test at Headingley, followed by India’s commanding 336-run victory at Edgbaston. The competition intensified with England’s recent success, putting pressure on India as both sides vie for dominance in this closely contested series.
The England XI for the fourth Test will feature Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (vice-captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer.
With the stakes high, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Manchester, as both teams look to assert their strengths in the series.