Dawson Helps Red-Hot England Clean Sweep Sri Lanka Ahead of the T20 World Cup

Led by Harry Brook, England have bounced back strongly from a disappointing winter down under, rediscovering balance, clarity and momentum in subcontinental conditions - a timely boost ahead of the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, which begins on 7 February.

At the heart of England’s resurgence was Hampshire's clutch all-rounder Liam Dawson, whose return to the white-ball setup has proved influential. The 35-year-old made his first ODI appearance in more than three years and delivered exactly what England required through the middle overs.

Across the three ODIs in Colombo, Dawson returned figures of 1 for 31, 1 for 40 and 2 for 48. His ability to control the tempo and shut down scoring played a key role in England’s series win.

Dawson carried his fine form into the T20Is too. He claimed two wickets in the first game, followed by economical spells of 1 for 32 and 1 for 25 in the remaining games. In the third T20I, which turned out to be a low-scoring thriller, he contributed a handy 14 runs with the bat in a key partnership with Sam Curran, helping England edge home and complete the clean sweep.

Since returning to T20 internationals in June 2025, Dawson has now taken 16 wickets in 13 matches, underlining his key presence in England’s white-ball plans.

Reflecting on his last 12 months, Dawson admitted that at one point he gave up on donning England colours.

“I didn’t expect to play for England again,” he said, describing it as “amazing” to be back in the group and focused on making the most of the opportunity.

That opportunity has been long in the making. Dawson was a part of the wider squad that lifted the 2019 World Cup at Lord’s and a travelling reserve when England won the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. Yet remarkably, he has never featured in a global tournament, a drought that now looks set to end on 8th Feb.

Alongside Dawson, England will also rely heavily on their best white-ball bowler, Adil Rashid, if they are to win their third T20 World Cup, having last lifted the trophy in Australia in 2022.

In the third T20I against Sri Lanka, Rashid reached a massive milestone, becoming the first England bowler to take 150 wickets in T20 internationals.

Another key member of the squad is the versatile Sam Curran, who was the Player of the Tournament in England’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Curran again proved to be influential in Sri Lanka, earning Player of the Series honours in the T20Is. His impact included a match-saving 58 from 48 balls in the third T20I, rescuing England from 60 for 6, as well as a hat-trick in the first T20I.

With his vast experience in Indian conditions, Curran will be eager to replicate his current form and 2022 World Cup heroics in the upcoming tournament.

England begin their T20 World Cup campaign on 8th February against Nepal in Mumbai.

England Men’s T20 World Cup fixtures (UK time)

• vs Nepal - Sunday 8 February, Mumbai (9:30am)

• vs West Indies - Wednesday 11 February, Mumbai (1:30pm)

• vs Scotland - Saturday 14 February, Kolkata (9:30am)

• vs Italy - Monday 16 February, Kolkata (9:30am)