England squad for 4th Test against India announced, Shoaib Bashir's replacement officially named

England has made a surprise call-up for the fourth Test against India in Manchester, as they recalled Liam Dawson after eight years to replace the injured young spinner Shoaib Bashir. Bashir broke his left little finger during England’s 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s.

Despite the injury, the youngster bravely played on, even taking the final wicket to seal a thrilling win for England at Lord’s. But Bashir has been ruled out of the fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test, as he will undergo surgery this week.

Liam Dawson set for Test comeback with England after 8 Years

With Bashir out of the next Test, England has turned to the experienced left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, who hasn’t played a Test since 2017, for the crucial Manchester Test against India. Dawson was picked ahead of the likes of Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, and Will Jacks, thanks to his excellent all-round form in county cricket.

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His batting also lured the selectors to go for him. Liam Dawson, who played only three Tests for England so far, recently impressed in the T20I series against the West Indies. The spinner has 371 first-class wickets along with 18 centuries to his name.

The all-rounder had told the England selectors not to consider him unless he was in the playing XI, which led him to test actions for 8 years. However, Gus Atkinson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Josh Tongue are also in the mix for a place in the playing XI for the fourth Test against India at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.

Liam Dawson deserves his call-up: Luke Wright

England selector Luke Wright said in the ECB release: "Liam Dawson deserves his call-up. He has been in outstanding form in the County Championship and consistently puts in strong performances for Hampshire."

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Sam Cook and Jamie Overton were released from the Test squad to take part in the ongoing County Championship, as England named the 14-member squad for the fouth Test of the ongoing five-match Test series against India, starting on July 23 in Manchester.

England Squad For 4th Test against India:

Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

England pulled off a thrilling win on the final day at Lord's, with their off-spinner Shoaib Bashir delivering the final blow in the third Test against India. Despite hurting his little finger, Bashir returned to bowl and sealed the victory for England in dramatic fashion.

With this 22-run victory at Lord's, England took a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India. Now, they aim to win the next Test in Manchester to clinch the trophy at home.