Sometimes in cricket, timing is everything—and for Liam Dawson, the timing might finally be on his side.
With the fourth Test against India coming up at Old Trafford, Dawson has been brought back into the England squad, and it’s not just a token call-up.
There’s a very real chance he’ll make it into the playing XI, and he deserves that shot.
A Gritty Competitor with Real Credentials
Let’s be honest—Dawson isn’t a flashy pick, but he’s a rock-solid one.
He’s always been a gritty and dependable cricketer, with a quietly impressive resume to back it up: 18 first-class centuries, 15 five-wicket hauls, and a deep understanding of his own game.
Just ask anyone at Hampshire—they’ve been singing his praises since he last played a Test in 2017.
You can see why he slipped off the selectors’ radar.
Not everyone wants to spend months on the road carrying drinks while big-money T20 leagues offer more glamour and pay.
But things have clearly improved between Dawson and the England setup, especially after his solid return to international cricket during the recent T20 series against the West Indies.
He clearly left a strong impression on Brendon McCullum.
An Unfortunate Exit Opens a New Door
Of course, it’s a tough break for Shoaib Bashir, who’s been sidelined by injury.
But that’s how cricket works—one player’s misfortune becomes another’s opportunity.
And Dawson isn’t just a backup; he brings something valuable to the table.
He’s a fighter, and that kind of mindset matters, especially when you’re walking into a high-pressure Test series.
If Dawson ends up batting at No. 8, it could form the backbone of a very handy lower order.
Picture this: Gus Atkinson—who’s already got a Test century—at No. 9, and Brydon Carse, who showed real promise with the bat at Lord’s, coming in at No. 10. That’s a lineup with depth.
Is This the End of the Road for Jack Leach?
It’s starting to feel like England might be moving on from Jack Leach.
He’s always had a good relationship with Ben Stokes, but Dawson’s all-round abilities arguably make him a more attractive option, especially when the team starts planning for the Ashes in Australia.
You need resilience, versatility, and a bit of edge to succeed down under—and Dawson brings all three.
A Shift Toward Proven County Talent
What’s really notable here is the change in selection strategy.
Not long ago, England picked Bashir based largely on clips circulating on social media.
Now, they’ve swung in the other direction—selecting Dawson, a seasoned player with a long track record in county cricket and previous international experience.
The selectors are clearly starting to favour players who’ve earned their stripes in the domestic game.
We saw it with Sam Cook’s call-up for the Zimbabwe Test, and now Dawson is getting another shot.
It sends a strong message: perform in the county circuit, and you’ll get noticed.
A Boost for the County Game
All in all, bringing Dawson back is not just a smart call for the immediate Test—it’s also a confidence boost for county cricketers across the country.
It’s proof that consistent performance still counts.
And for Dawson, it’s a golden opportunity to show that he still belongs on the international stage.
Let’s see what he makes of it.