Injured Bashir ruled out of fourth Test, replaced by newcomer Dawson for England squad
Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer are set to make their comebacks to the England cricket team, following lengthy absences from the Test stage. The duo's returns have been prompted by an injury to teammate Shoaib Bashir, who fractured a finger during the third Test against India and has been ruled out for the remainder of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy series.
Dawson, who last played Test cricket for England in July 2017, has been a standout performer in domestic cricket over the past two years. He has been a strong performer for Hampshire, taking 21 wickets in nine matches in the most recent County Championship and 11 wickets in ten games in the Vitality Blast tournament. His exceptional performances earned him the Professional Cricketers' Association Player of the Year awards consecutively in 2023 and 2024.
Archer, who has been absent from Test cricket for over four years due to injuries, is also set to return. His comeback match has not been specified, but he expressed his determination to play in the other two Tests if allowed and plans to do everything possible to be on the plane to Australia for the Ashes. In his first Test match back, Archer bowled at speeds over 90mph, demonstrating his ability to summon express speed, a huge boost to England's attack.
Dawson's recall is due to his outstanding form in county cricket for Hampshire, where he has been named the Professional Cricketers' Association Player of the Year for the past two seasons. He has been picked ahead of fellow left-armer Jack Leach, who was England's first-choice spinner last year but has been replaced by Bashir. Leach, who featured in three Tests in Pakistan and was part of the squad to tour New Zealand over the winter, will not be playing in the upcoming Test in Manchester.
Chris Woakes might also be rested in Manchester due to struggling to find his best form in the series so far. Bashir took the winning wicket in England's 22-run victory over India at Lord's, but his injury has opened the door for Dawson's return. Archer emphasized that he wants to make up for lost time, with the Ashes series starting in Perth on November 21.
In summary, Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer's international returns have been prompted by an injury to a teammate and their sustained high-level domestic and limited-overs performances. Both players are eager to make a significant impact as England aim to maintain their lead in the Test series against India.
India's ongoing Test series against England presents an opportunity for Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer to showcase their skills on the international stage following their respective absences. Both athletes, with their impressive county cricket performances, have been selected to strengthen England's squad in the ongoing Anderson Tendulkar Trophy series.
