Liam Dawson Might Consider To Skip Test Series Against India To Participate In SA20- Report
Published - 04 Oct 2023, 12:38 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:19 AM
England spinner Liam Dawson has hinted that he could skip the five-match Test series against India in favor of playing in the SA20. Liam Dawson acknowledged that the decision between Tests and T20s would not be straightforward at this stage of his career.
The Ben Stokes-led team will tour India early next year as part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The Test series schedule overlaps with the second edition of the SA20 league. The visitors will select more spinners for their India tour in 2024.
I Will Have To Make A Decision – Liam Dawson
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Liam Dawson acknowledged the changing landscape of the game and its financial aspects, hinting at the possibility of a significant decision in his future.
“To be honest, probably no. I am 33 now. I am very realistic that I am not always going to play for England. At the minute I am going to South Africa, but if things change I will have to make a decision”
“The game is changing massively and everybody that is involved in the game understands that. Financially, it is something at my age that I will have to consider, that will be a big decision,” Dawson told ESPNcricinfo.
Liam Dawson is in contention for selection, even though he has only featured in three Tests for England. His contract with Sunrisers Eastern Cape is valued at £150,000, considerably more than the £100,000 he earns if he participates in all five Tests in India.
That Isn’t The Best For Your Game – Liam Dawson
The left-arm spinner said that pursuing a career with England might not always be the best choice, given the opportunities in franchise leagues.
“But for me, now I’m older, more experienced, [there are] a lot of franchise leagues and just by playing cricket, I know that if you’re always striving to do as best as you can and then play for England, sometimes that isn’t the best for your game. I’m very at peace with where I am and, yeah, I enjoy it,” he further added.
Liam Dawson made his debut against India in 2016 and his last appearance in 2017. England is currently facing a shortage of spin options in red-ball cricket, especially with Moeen Ali’s Test retirement and Jack Leach’s ongoing recovery from a back injury.
