By AFP
LONDON: England have recalled spinner Liam Dawson for next week’s fourth Test against India after the injured Shoaib Bashir was ruled out for the rest of the series.
Dawson made the last of his three Test appearances eight years ago, but the 35-year-old is in line for an unexpected return to the international stage at Old Trafford.
Despite having already broken the little finger on his left hand, Bashir took the winning wicket in a dramatic finish to England’s 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s on Monday.
Bashir is set for surgery in the coming days and will miss the remainder of the five-match series, with England holding a 2-1 lead before the next Test in Manchester.
Dawson’s recall comes after his outstanding form in county cricket for Hampshire.
The left-armer has been named the Professional Cricketers’ Association Player of the Year in the past two seasons.
“Liam Dawson deseÂrves his call-up. He has been in outstanding form in the County ChamÂpionship and consistently