DAW IS OPEN FOR LIAM TO BE TOP PICK

LIAM DAWSON insists he is not thinking about challenging to become England's regular Test spinner as he focuses on his first T20 World Cup at the age of 35.

- SCOTT HUNT in Colombo

England took Shoaib Bashir to the Ashes as their first-choice spinner. But the 22-year-old was left out of all five Tests as all-rounder Will Jacks was chosen to provide a spin option.

The door now appears wide open for English spinners to stake a claim. Dawson has played four Tests, from his debut in 2016 to the fourth Test against India last summer.

He was overlooked for the trip Down Under but is a key part of England's white-ball team and has impressed in the first two ODIs in Sri Lanka - with the series level at 11 heading into today’s decider.

The Hampshire left-armer, though, is not allowing himself to think about a Test future.