World Cup my only aim claims Dawson

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.

- BY SCOTT HUNT, PA

Liam Dawson before the England nets session at R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday

(Sameera Peiris)

England took Shoaib Bashir to the Ashes as their premier spinner but the 22-year-old was left out of all five Te: is all-rounder Will Jacks was chosen to provide a spin option.

‘The door therefore appears wide open for English spinners to stake a claim. Dawson has played four Tests, spanning 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 1-1 heading into Tuesday's decider.

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