Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Jul 24: Former England captain Michael Vaughan has praised the inclusion of Liam Dawson in the ongoing Test series against India, calling the seasoned left-arm spinner an “all-round package” who adds much-needed balance to the side.

Dawson, who returned to Test cricket after an eight-year gap, made an immediate impact in the fourth Test on Wednesday, dismissing in-form Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal with just his seventh delivery, caught at first slip.

“He’s the kind of cricketer you rely on for control, economy, and good fielding,” Vaughan said during the ‘Test Match Special’ podcast. “For this England team and looking ahead to the Ashes in Australia, they are stronger with a player like Dawson in the mix.”

The 35-year-old last played a Test in 2017 against South Africa and has since seen limited opportunities, featuring in only three Tests, six ODIs, and 14 T20Is. Despite a modest tally of seven Test wickets, Dawson brings solid credentials with the bat, having scored 18 first-class centuries, offering more depth than Shoaib Bashir, whose top Test score is just 13.

“Bashir’s overspin is dangerous, no doubt, but what this England side needs right now is control on these pitches,” Vaughan added. “Dawson may not run through sides with six or seven wickets, but he will consistently chip in with two or three, and occasionally a four or five-for when the pitch breaks up.”

As England continues to seek stability in spin and lower-order batting, Dawson’s return appears to be a timely boost, blending experience, composure and versatility in a tightly contested series.