England has shaken things up a bit with a notable change to its Test squad as they gear up for the fourth Test match against India. Liam Dawson has replaced Shoaib Bashir, the young off-spinner, due to a back injury. The fourth Test will begin on Friday, July 19, at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Shoaib Bashir, just 21 years old, impressed everyone with his bowling performance in the third Test. He even took a five-wicket haul, showing that he can be a key player for England in Indian conditions. However, the selectors have now ruled him out of the fourth Test due to a minor back problem.
According to the England team management, Bashir’s injury is not too serious. But they don’t want to take any risks with a young player’s fitness in such an important series. He will stay with the team and continue his recovery under the guidance of medical staff.
To replace Bashir, England has added Liam Dawson to the squad. Dawson is a seasoned left-arm spinner and a reliable lower-order batsman. At 34 years old, he last took the field in a Test match back in 2017. Even though he hasn’t been a regular part of the Test team, Dawson has stayed active in domestic cricket and England’s limited-overs teams.
Dawson was initially rested from the England Lions’ upcoming tour of Sri Lanka to manage his workload. But now, due to the injury to Bashir, selectors have brought him into the senior squad.
Dawson has previously played three Test matches for England. His debut was in 2016, and he even played during England’s last tour to India. Though he has not played red-ball cricket at the international level for several years, his recent performances in the County Championship for Hampshire have been excellent. Last season, he picked up many wickets and scored useful runs as well.
England is currently 2-1 ahead in the five-match Test series. With the series on the line, the fourth Test is a must-watch. Therefore, England decided to bring in an experienced and fit player like Dawson, rather than risk playing an unfit Bashir.
Also, the Old Trafford pitch in Manchester often helps spinners. Dawson’s ability to bowl tight spells and add batting depth made him the ideal choice. He will likely support fellow spinner Tom Hartley, who has been part of the squad throughout the series.
Even though Shoaib Bashir will not be playing in the next match, the team has decided to keep him in the squad. This will help him stay connected to the team environment, continue training, and recover more quickly. England coach Brendon McCullum and the team physios are hopeful that Bashir could return for the fifth and final Test if he recovers in time.
Shoaib Bashir’s Test Performance vs India
| Matches | Bowling Score | Venue |
| 1st Test | 3 / 190 runs | Birmingham |
| 2nd Test | 5 / 286 runs | Leeds |
| 3rd Test | 2 / 65 runs | Lord’s |
Liam Dawson’s addition to the squad adds a layer of experience and stability that we need. He has played in Indian conditions before and knows how to handle spin-friendly pitches. The big question now is whether Dawson can make an immediate impact after such a long break from Test cricket. If he performs well, it could be a game-changer for England.
In summary, Shoaib Bashir has been replaced by Liam Dawson in England’s squad for the fourth Test against India. This change was made because Bashir has a minor back injury. England hopes that Dawson’s experience can help them level the series in Manchester.
