ENG vs IND 2025: England name one change for Manchester Test, Liam Dawson returns after eight years

ENG vs IND 2025: England name one change for Manchester Test, Liam Dawson returns after eight years (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Shoaib Bashir, who injured his finger during the third Test at Lord’s, has been ruled out of the series, and ahead of the fourth Test, Liam Dawson has made his way directly into the Playing XI against India. This will be a comeback match for Dawson, who last played in whites back in 2017. The fourth match will begin on July 23 at the Old Trafford in Manchester, and the host side had only one forced change from their winning combination.

The Playing XI was revealed via a media release on England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s official website on Monday, July 21. The Ben Stokes-led side, currently 2-1 up in the five-match series, will look to walk away with another win in Manchester to make the series theirs. In case they lose, the fate of the series will then be decided at The Oval in London, where the fifth and final match of the series will be hosted.

“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 mentioned in the release.

Zak Crawley, the opening batter, was expected to be replaced after a string of low scores, however, the management trusted in the 27-year-old for the upcoming game as well. He has scored 128 runs in three games so far, which is very concerning. Crawley will enter the game with confidence and look to reciprocate by being back among runs in the upcoming game.

England Playing XI for fourth 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

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