The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 14-member squad for the fourth Test match against India. Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson has been included in the team, replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir.
IND vs ENG 4th Test: The exciting Test series between India and England has reached a decisive stage. The fourth Test match will be played between July 23rd and July 27th, 2025, at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Prior to this, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced its 14-member squad. The most significant change in the team this time has been made in the spin department.
Experienced left-arm spinner Liam Dawson has been included in the squad in place of the injured Shoaib Bashir. While there are no major changes in the fast bowling unit, Jamie Overton and Sam Cook have been dropped from the team.
Liam Dawson's Return, A Test Opportunity After 7 Years
For 35-year-old Liam Dawson, this marks a return to the Test team after almost 7 years. He played his last Test against South Africa in July 2017. Since then, he waited for a comeback in international cricket and proved himself by consistently performing well in county cricket. Dawson has shown excellent all-round performance for Hampshire in the last two seasons, and as a result, England has given him a place in their squad for this important match. Dawson has taken 7 wickets and scored 84 runs in 3 Test matches.
Dawson, who won the PCA Player of the Year award in 2023 and 2024, will have a golden opportunity to prove himself this time. Especially when the England team is going to play with only one spinner and the Indian batsmen are considered b against spin.
England's 4th Test Squad
Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes.
Statement from England Selector Luke Wright
England men's team National Selector Luke Wright said regarding the selection of Dawson, "Liam Dawson has performed excellently in county cricket and deserves this selection based on his consistency. He is capable of contributing with both bat and ball. England currently has a 2-1 lead in the five-Test series between India and England.
- First Test (Headingley, Leeds): England won by 5 wickets.
- Second Test (Birmingham): India won by a magnificent 336 runs.
- Third Test (Lord's): England won a thrilling match by 22 runs on the final day.
Thus, the fourth Test match has become a do-or-die situation for India. If India wants to make a comeback in the series, they will have to win the next two Test matches at all costs. On the other hand, England needs only one win to claim the series.
