IND vs ENG: Liam Dawson Replaces Injured Shoaib Bashir as England Announce Playing XI for Fourth Test against India

England have made one change to their Playing XI for the crucial fourth Test against India, starting July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a finger injury he picked up during the third Test at Lord’s. His spot has gone to Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson, who returns to the Test side after seven years.

Dawson Returns After Seven Years

Dawson last played a Test for England back in July 2017. Now, after a long wait, he is back in the XI with a big task ahead.

“England Men have made one change to their XI for the Rothesay Fourth Test against India at Emirates Old Trafford, starting on Wednesday, July 23. Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson replaces the injured Shoaib Bashir. This will be Dawson’s first Test appearance since July 2017,” the ECB said in a media release on July 21.

England lead the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-1. A win in Manchester will seal the series for the hosts. On the other hand, a win for India would level the series and push it to a decider at The Oval.

Crawley Keeps His Spot

Despite a poor run of form, opener Zak Crawley has kept his place in the XI. He has managed only 128 runs across the three Tests so far, but the team management continues to support him.

Dawson’s inclusion is the only change from the side that played at Lord’s.

All eyes now turn to Manchester, where the pitch is expected to be slow with some help for spinners later in the game. With Dawson returning and Crawley under pressure, England’s mix of experience and faith in players will be tested.

England Playing XI for 4th Test against India: Ben Duckett (captain), Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer