Manchester, July 15, 2025 – England has unveiled their 14-member squad for the fourth Test against India, set to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester, as part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the inclusion of experienced spinner Liam Dawson, who replaces the injured Shoaib Bashir, marking Dawson’s return to Test cricket after an eight-year hiatus. With England leading the series 2-1, this match is pivotal for both teams vying for supremacy in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

England Squad for 4th Test vs India

The squad, led by captain Ben Stokes, features a balanced mix of experience and youth:

• Ben Stokes (Captain) – Durham
• Joe Root – Yorkshire
• Jofra Archer – Sussex
• Gus Atkinson – Surrey
• Jacob Bethell – Warwickshire
• Harry Brook – Yorkshire
• Brydon Carse – Durham
• Zak Crawley – Kent
• Liam Dawson – Hampshire
• Ben Duckett – Nottinghamshire
• Ollie Pope – Surrey
• Jamie Smith – Surrey
• Josh Tongue – Nottinghamshire
• Chris Woakes – Warwickshire

Key Changes and Player Updates

• Liam Dawson’s Return: The 35-year-old left-arm spinner replaces Shoaib Bashir, who sustained a fractured left little finger during the third Test at Lord’s, ruling him out for the remainder of the series. Dawson, last seen in a Test against South Africa in 2017, brings 371 first-class wickets and over 10,000 runs, including 18 centuries, to the squad. His recent PCA Player of the Year awards (2023, 2024) underline his form.
• Shoaib Bashir’s Injury: Bashir’s heroics in the third Test, where he dismissed Mohammed Siraj to secure a thrilling 22-run victory, were overshadowed by his injury. Despite bowling with a fractured finger, he has been sidelined, with surgery recommended.
• Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson: Both pacers, added after the first and second Tests, respectively, continue to bolster England’s bowling attack. Archer’s return to Test cricket after four years and Atkinson’s recovery from a hamstring injury add firepower.
• Released Players: Sam Cook and Jamie Overton have been released to participate in the County Championship, streamlining the squad for Old Trafford.

Series Context

England’s 2-1 lead comes after a dramatic 22-run win at Lord’s, driven by Stokes’ leadership and contributions from Root, Brook, and Crawley. The team’s aggressive “Bazball” approach under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum has kept India under pressure, despite a 336-run loss in the second Test at Edgbaston. India, led by Shubman Gill, will look to level the series, with Jasprit Bumrah’s potential return adding intrigue.

Match Details

• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Date: July 23–27, 2025
• Series: India tour of England, 4th Test, Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
• Broadcast: Live on Sky Sports, starting at 11 AM UK time

Why This Test Matters

With the World Test Championship points at stake (England: 12, India: 0), this match is crucial for England to solidify their lead and for India to mount a comeback. The return of experienced players like Woakes and Dawson, combined with the dynamism of Archer and Atkinson, sets the stage for a fiercely contested battle.

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