Sometimes in sport, opportunity knocks when you least expect it—and that’s exactly what’s happening for Liam Dawson.
As England prepares for the next leg of their Test summer, the 34-year-old all-rounder has a real shot to shake things up for the selectors.
And it’s not just because he can bowl.
Former Test player and England stalwart Ashley Giles believes Dawson brings much more to the table than just spin—and his return to the side, eight years after his last Test match, couldn’t come at a better time.
A Chance at Redemption in Manchester
Dawson steps in for the injured Shoaib Bashir in Wednesday’s Test at Old Trafford, and with another match at The Oval ahead, a strong showing could put him in contention for something even bigger—the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia.
Bashir, who impressed earlier in the summer before fracturing his finger at Lord’s, remains a key part of England’s long-term spin plans.
But Australia isn’t exactly a spinner’s paradise, and history shows that England needs their slow bowlers to contribute in more ways than one.
Experience Over Youth?
That’s where Dawson’s broader skillset really stands out.
With a solid first-class batting average of 35 and 18 centuries to his name, he’s miles ahead of 21-year-old Bashir in terms of all-round ability.
Bashir, in comparison, averages just 8 with the bat, with a top score of 44 not out.
“For me, Dawson was the obvious choice,” Giles told Mail Sport.
“If you’re taking two spinners to Australia this winter, he has to be one of them. He’s a more rounded, experienced cricketer.”
Giles acknowledged how consistent England have been in backing Bashir—a promising sign for long-term development.
But when it comes to the here and now, especially in tough conditions, Dawson’s versatility could be priceless.
A Test Window Reopens
At one point, Dawson probably thought his England days were behind him.
But Giles believes this unexpected return is a real shot to turn heads again.
And if he delivers, selectors Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum could have a real dilemma on their hands.
“There’s no doubt we’ll need every run we can get in Australia,” Giles said. “Daws gives us that.
He can bat, he can bowl, he can field. It’s a complete package.”
A Player in the Giles Mold
Giles knows what he’s talking about. In many ways, Dawson reminds him of himself during his playing days.
Over 54 Tests, Giles took 143 wickets and often batted at No. 8—doing the gritty, thankless work of holding an end, especially on flat tracks where spinners struggle.
That sort of control becomes crucial when the attack relies heavily on pace.
“With that kind of balance, you need someone who can be tidy and economical,” he added.
Pressure and Scrutiny in the Spotlight
It’s not easy being a young spinner in England right now.
Giles says Bashir has handled the pressure well, but it’s a tough role when you’re not always in the spotlight or taking loads of wickets.
“If you’re not playing a major role, questions get asked. I’ve been there.
It’s all about how you deal with that pressure,” he said.
The Struggles of Developing Spinners Today
Reflecting on his own path, Giles pointed out that the current cricketing calendar doesn’t make it easy for spinners to develop.
Short-format tournaments have taken over the prime months of the summer, limiting opportunities for spinners to get the long spells they need.
“When I was young, I bowled loads of overs in summer,” Giles said.
“Now, with the rise of short-form cricket, there’s less room for that learning curve. And it can be a painful one.”
Still in the Game Off the Field
Giles, now chief executive at Worcestershire, is still very much involved in the game—and he’s sharing his journey in a new autobiography, The King of Spain and I, out next week.
With voices like his offering perspective, and players like Dawson reminding us of the value of experience, England’s spin conundrum continues to evolve—right alongside the players brave enough to take it on.