Liam Dawson replaces Shoaib Bashir as England name side for fourth Test against India at Old Trafford - 'He's a wily old fox'
Updated 21/07/2025 at 16:53 GMT+1
The fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester begins on Wednesday and England have recalled spinner Liam Dawson for the first time in eight years. Dawson replaces Shoaib Bashir who broke his hand in the victory over India in the third Test at Lord's. Dawson is the only change to the England side. Brendon McCullum's England lead the five-match series 2-1 after a final-day victory in the capital.
Liam Dawson of England during a net session at Emirates Old Trafford on July 21, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
England have made one change to their team for the fourth Test against India, with Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir.
Bashir took the final wicket to seal victory in the third Test at Lord’s but did so with a broken hand and his absence for the remainder of the series was confirmed in the aftermath of the win.
With Old Trafford traditionally a spin-friendly surface, England coach Brendon McCullum turned to Dawson as Bashir’s replacement.
And Dawson’s participation was confirmed on Monday afternoon, meaning he will return to the Test arena for the first time in eight years.
"He's a wily old fox," England batter Harry Brook said of left-arm spinner Dawson. "He's very experienced and a very skilful cricketer.Â
"He's played everywhere, played against everyone, so hopefully he can have an amazing performance this week.
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"As we've seen over the Test series, the footholes have been there for the left-handed batters outside off, so hopefully he can land it in the footholes and create a bit of spice and some opportunities to take wickets.
"He's willing to always fight for the team, he's very competitive, and it's good to have him here."
The makeup of the remainder of the side is unchanged, meaning Jofra Archer will play back-to-back Tests - having returned to the side at Lord's following a four-year spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Chris Woakes will also form part of the bowling attack, meaning he will play his fourth Test of the summer.
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India confirmed earlier in the day that the world’s No. 1 bowler in Tests, Jasprit Bumrah, would be in the team at Old Trafford.
Bumrah’s workload is being managed following a back injury, but the decision has been made to keep him in the side for the fourth Test.
England lead the five-match series 2-1 ahead of the start of the Test in Manchester on Wednesday.
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