Liam Dawson unafraid of marauding Kohli

The Hampshire all-rounder was a shock call-up to England’s squad after Surrey’s Zafar Ansari was forced out of the tour with a back injury. And, if the pitch for the fourth Test at Mumbai promises plenty of turn, Dawson could play as one of three spin bowlers in England’s team. Conditions at the Wankhede Stadium are already bone dry with the groundsman promising a ‘bald’ surface. 

Dawson, 26, has played whiteball cricket for England and a red-ball appearance would mean bowling to Indian skipper Kohli, who averages 101 in the series. The world’s best batsman is also known as a destroyer of slow bowling.

Dawson, who arrived in Mumbai on Sunday after a spell in the Bangladesh Premier League, told The Sun: “From what I’ve seen, the wickets in the series have taken some spin but also looked good to bat on. My job is to offer control but, if the wicket is spinning, keep landing it in the right area and, hopefully, the wicket does the rest. There’s no doubt the Indian batsmen are exceptional. It’s an amazing challenge for me and, if I play, it’ll be a huge honour. I was very surprised to be called up. I didn’t expect it at all but it’s a great opportunity and very exciting. 

“I admit my white-ball cricket is stronger but I’ve played a lot of red-ball cricket and feel I’m still improving in that area. If I get the opportunity, hopefully I’ll offer some control with the ball. That’s what I do with Hampshire, that’s all I can do if selected for England.” 

He added: “Coping under pressure is a big part of bowling in T20, without a doubt. You can maybe get away with a few more bad balls but, in Test cricket, you’ve got to be on the money. “If I do play, it’s going to be an exciting challenge and will only improve me.” 

Many were surprised Dawson was chosen ahead of Somerset’s Jack Leach, who took 65 firstclass wickets last summer compared to Dawson’s 20. But England have opted for Dawson’s superior batting and he is a near like-for-like replacement for Ansari. 

“People see my season as getting only 20 wickets and say it is very poor, but I did bowl well and gave Hampshire control. That’s something I can hopefully do if I play in the Test match. That’s my job and it’s been my job for the last three years.

“I’ve played a fair amount of cricket in the last few weeks and it’s been good to experience franchise cricket overseas. I haven’t taken many wickets but I feel I’ve bowled well.”