Dawson returns after 7 years to take a key wicket for England as India 149-3 at tea in 4th test

MANCHESTER, England – In a narrative twist befitting Test cricket's enduring drama, Liam Dawson, the left-arm spinner whose international career seemed to have stalled, marked his improbable England comeback by claiming a pivotal wicket against India on Wednesday. Seven years after his last Test appearance and an astonishing eight years since his last Test scalp, Dawson’s dismissal of the well-set Shreyas Iyer just before the tea interval provided England with a much-needed breakthrough, leaving India at 149 for 3 in the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Dawson’s re-inclusion into the Test squad was a surprise for many, a testament to England's ongoing search for a reliable spin option and perhaps a recognition of his consistent performances in county cricket. Handed the ball by Ben Stokes in the second session, Dawson, known more for his economical left-arm darts and handy batting, settled into his rhythm quickly. His moment of redemption arrived when he delivered a perfectly flighted delivery that lured Iyer forward, finding the edge to a sharp catch at slip. The dismissal broke a burgeoning partnership that was beginning to threaten England's control, injecting a jolt of energy into the home side's fielding effort and sending a ripple of appreciation through the Manchester crowd who had witnessed the long wait for this very moment.

The wicket was more than just a statistical entry; it was a psychological blow to India and a vindication for a player who has toiled diligently in the domestic circuit. Before Dawson’s intervention, India had navigated a challenging morning session, with their top order showing resilience against England’s pace attack. The partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer had looked increasingly comfortable, putting pressure back on the English bowlers after an early breakthrough. Dawson’s ability to break this stand, particularly against a subcontinental batting lineup adept at playing spin, highlighted the value of his inclusion and offered England a crucial foothold in an innings that could dictate the flow of this pivotal Test match. As the teams headed for tea, the score of 149 for 3 represented a finely balanced contest, with Dawson’s contribution a significant talking point and a symbol of perseverance in the unforgiving world of international cricket.