With the fourth Test against India in Manchester just around the corner, England skipper Ben Stokes believes all-rounder Liam Dawson’s comeback after an eight-year absence was a well-deserved recall.
Dawson had earned his long-awaited recall to the Test squad following a finger injury to right-arm spinner Shoaib Bashir in England’s thrilling win in the third Test at Lord’s.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Stokes referred to Dawson’s successful return to the T20I format earlier this year. Dawson featured in three home T20Is, and picked five wickets, including a career-best 4/20.
“He’s been performing really well for Hampshire for a while now and I think he’s obviously getting recalled into the white-ball team as well. He showed that he can just come back in and get to work straight away,” Stokes said.
“I’m sure there’ll be a bit of nerves for Dawson coming back in and playing his first game in eight years as you said. But yeah, he’s a very good cricketer and I’m excited for him this week.”
“It just shows if you keep working hard and keep putting in good performances consistently, then you’re always going to be spoken about and be there with everybody. The door will be open for the Ashes potentially if he can prove himself.”
