Seasoned spinner dazzles with 4-for as England grabs early edge in T20 series.
Chester-le-Street, June 6, 2025
In a remarkable comeback to global cricket, 35-year-old Liam Dawson brought back memories as to why experience is still relevant in T20s. Having been out of the England T20I team for close to three years, Dawson made a point with the ball, taking 4 wickets for a mere 20 runs and leading England to a 21-run win against the West Indies in the first T20I.
This display not only earned him the Player of the Match but also ignited new debates regarding his inclusion in England’s 2026 ICC T20 World Cup squad.
England Sets the Tone Early
Batting first on a jam-packed Riverside Ground, England amassed a fighting 188/6, courtesy of skipper Jos Buttler’s 72 off 41 balls. The inning featured signature shots—bully punches, cheeky scoops, and classy drives—that had the crowd cheering and the scoreboard chugging along.
Valuable knocks from Harry Brook (31) and an unbeaten 22 from Moeen Ali helped England close their innings on a strong note.
Dawson Spins a Web
But the game-changer was Liam Dawson. Brought in during powerplay, Dawson found rhythm, flight, and turn right away. His victims were crucial middle-order dangers—Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Sherfane Rutherford.
His spell turned the tide decisively, choking West Indies’ momentum and exposing their struggles against top-class spin.
“A true exhibition of precision and pressure — a spinning masterclass. Dawson out-thought the batters,” commentary said by Nasser Hussain.
Why Dawson’s Performance Matters
Dawson’s return is not a coincidence. He has just completed a hot domestic season at Hampshire, where he scored 1,280 runs and took 71 wickets across formats in 2024. His outstanding performance secured him the prestigious PCA Men’s Player of the Year title, along with a distinguished place in Wisden’s 2025 Cricketers of the Year lineup.
Despite his age, Dawson’s performance demonstrates that he can still outsmart the best T20 batsmen. As England’s spin resources have been short of depth and continuity in recent times, his return couldn’t have been better timed.
Effect on England’s T20 World Cup Strategy
England’s selectors are now having a nice headache. Do they continue with youth or reward Dawson’s veteran brilliance?
In conditions of the subcontinent likely to be seen during the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Dawson’s control, variety, and experience may prove invaluable. His capability to bowl in all stages, particularly middle overs, provides much-needed equilibrium.
What’s Next?
The second encounter of the series is set to take place in Bristol on Sunday, June 8. With Dawson in scorching form and England on a high, everyone will be watching to see how the West Indies recover.
Can they get back into it? Or will Dawson pull off another masterclass?
The most important takeaways for fans and pundits
Liam Dawson’s 4/20 is the best England spinner bowling performance since 2021.
His expertise might be the turning point in subcontinental World Cup cricket.
Demonstrates that keen cricketing insight and precision can triumph over sheer strength in T20 showdowns.
Last Word
In a world where T20 is sometimes dubbed a young man’s game, Liam Dawson’s return is a refreshing breeze. It’s a strong reminder that in cricket, class never departs. His display not only won a game but potentially repurposed his international destiny.
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