India vs England 4th Test: England Name Playing XI for Old Trafford Clash; Liam Dawson Replaces Injured Shoaib Bashir
Published on: India vs England 4th Test July 22, 2025
Tagged Under: Old Trafford Test | Cricket News | England vs. India 2025 Test Series
India vs England 4th Test
England’s final squad for the crucial fourth Test match at Old Trafford includes Liam Dawson in place of the injured Shoaib Bashir.
India vs England 4th Test
With the high-stakes fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy set to begin this Wednesday at Old Trafford, Manchester, England have announced their final playing XI—and it includes a notable change. Shoaib Bashir, an off-spinner for England, will miss the rest of the series after getting hurt on the third day of the Lord’s Test.
In a move that surprised some but impressed many, 35-year-old all-rounder Liam In lieu of Bashir, Dawson has been brought in. Liam Dawson’s return to the Test side is built on his steady performances in county cricket, having last featured in a Test match against South Africa back in July 2017.
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A Long-Awaited Return for Liam Dawson
Liam Dawson’s return marks a remarkable comeback story. Known for his reliable spin bowling and handy lower-order batting, Dawson has been knocking on the doors of the national side for several seasons. His strong performances for Hampshire in domestic cricket have finally paid off as he prepares to don the England whites again—nearly eight years since his last Test outing.
The inclusion of Dawson could be a tactical advantage for England on what is often a spin-friendly surface at Old Trafford. With his left-arm orthodox bowling, he brings a different dimension to the attack, complementing the pace-heavy lineup that includes Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes.
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England Leading the Series 2-1 – Momentum on Their Side
England head into the fourth Test with a 2-1 series lead after clinching a thrilling 22-run victory in the third Test at Lord’s. Under the dynamic leadership of Ben Stokes, England showed grit and resilience to hold off a spirited Indian fightback.
Series Summary So Far:
🏏 England kicked off the series in style with a confident five-wicket win in the opening match at Leeds.
🏏 India recovered to win the second Test in Birmingham by 336 runs.
🏏 3rd Test, Lord’s: England edged India by 22 runs
With just two Tests left, the fourth match becomes crucial for both sides. A win for England would seal the series, while India will be desperate to level things before the finale.
England’s Confirmed Playing XI for the 4th Test at Old Trafford
1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope (Vice-Captain)
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (Captain)
7. Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)
8. Liam Dawson
9. Chris Woakes
10. Brydon Carse
11. Jofra Archer
This lineup showcases a mix of youthful aggression and experienced calm. Jamie Smith continues behind the stumps, while Brydon Carse retains his place following a solid outing at Lord’s.
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What to Expect from the Fourth Test?
The Old Trafford pitch traditionally offers bounce and turn as the game progresses, which could make spin bowling a key factor—hence Dawson’s inclusion makes strategic sense. With both teams possessing quality all-rounders and power hitters, expect a thrilling contest packed with drama and big moments.
India, meanwhile, will need a strong response from their top order and spinners to keep the series alive. Senior players like Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will be expected to perform well under duress.
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Final Thoughts
With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line, the fourth Test match at Old Trafford is shaping up to be a classic.England’s decision to include Liam Dawson adds an intriguing twist to their playing XI, and fans will be eager to see how he performs after such a long gap from the Test arena.
As both teams gear up for another epic clash, one thing is certain—cricket fans are in for a treat.
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📍 Stay tuned for live updates, scorecards, and post-match analysis right here!
🏏 #INDvsENG #OldTraffordTest #LiamDawsonReturns
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