Cricket fans and officials are paying tribute to Liam Dawson after the Englishman announced his immediate retirement from the first-class game. The 36-year-old played 218 games at first-class level, taking 380 wickets and scoring 10,828 runs with 18 centuries.
He also played four Tests for England as a front-line spinner, as well as nine ODIs and 32 T20 internationals as an all-rounder. He took eight wickets in his four Tests, and was part of the England squad that won the ODI World Cup in 2019.
Liam Dawson played four Tests and nine ODIs for England. Image: Getty
Dawson was named the England men’s domestic player of the year in 2024, which led to a recall to the Test team after an eight-year absence. Despite retiring from red-ball cricket, he’ll continue playing the white-ball game with Hampshire and Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
“I’ve decided to retire from first-class cricket,” Dawson said on Wednesday. “It’s a decision that I haven’t taken lightly but I feel for the benefit of prolonging my career in white-ball cricket, the time is right.
“I’m extremely proud to have played over 200 games for Hampshire and have had some amazing memories with so many players over the years. I’m fully committed to playing white-ball cricket for Hampshire and continuing the success we’ve had.”
Liam Dawson in action for England in a Test match in 2025.
(Stu Forster)
Liam Dawson scored 18 centuries and over 10,000 runs in the County Championship.
(Alex Davidson)Cricket world pays tribute to Liam Dawson
Hampshire’s director of cricket Giles White said: “Liam has been an outstanding servant to Hampshire Cricket. To have played over 200 first-class games for this county speaks volumes about his dedication and quality.
“He leaves a huge hole in the team and will be hard to replace, especially for the remainder of this Championship season. He is the only Hampshire player of the modern era to represent the club in over 200 first-class appearances, which underlines just how rare an achievement that is at this level.
“We support Liam’s decision and are delighted he remains fully committed to the white ball game. He has been integral to the success we’ve built in that format, and we have no doubt he will continue to be a match winner for Hampshire for years to come. He remains a hugely important part of our plans.”
One person wrote on social media: “19 years at Hampshire. The kind of one county career that probably won’t exist in 10 years. Proper county great.”
Another wrote: “Absolute blight on English cricket that he wasn’t their leading spinner these last 5 years. What a player he has been.” While a third added: “Fantastic cricketer, an even better bloke, and a great servant to Hampshire Cricket – Daws will be missed!”