England have announced their Playing XI for the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester, ringing in one forced change with Liam Dawson coming in for the injured Shoaib Bashir, who has been ruled out from the series.
Dawson is back in the Test Playing XI for the first time since his last appearance in July 2017 against South Africa in Nottingham. "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," ECB wrote in a statement.
Dawson's return gap is fourth longest for England
Meanwhile, Dawson's return to the Test team is coming after eight years and five days. He last featured in a match on 17th July 2007 and is now set to take the field on July 23. This absence is the fourth-longest for England in between Test matches, only behind Gareth Batty (11y 137d), Martin Bicknell (10y 12d) and Derek Shackleton (11y 225d).
Shoaib Bashir ruled out for remainder of series
England spinner Bashir was ruled out for the remainder of the Test series due to the injury he picked up on his left (non-bowling) hand during the third Test at Lord's. While bowling in the first innings to Ravindra Jadeja, he was hit on his non-bowling hand by a fierce drive from the Indian all-rounder. He went off the field, but came to bat in the second innings. He also bowled in the second innings and took the important wicket of Mohammed Siraj that helped the hosts secure a 22-run win after India had fought hard with their tail in the 193-run chase.
This means there is no return for Gus Atkinson, who was in the squad for the third Test as well. The English bowling line-up will consist of Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Dawson and Ben Stokes.
England are leading the five-match series 2-1 with two matches to go. They would hope to close the series in Manchester, while the visitors will aim to bounce back and level the series at Old Trafford.
England's Playing XI for the 4th Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer
