Talking at Hampshire’s media day forward of the beginning of the County Championship season, Dawson mentioned that there had been “just a few conversations” with the selectors over the winter however that, on the age of 34, he felt his worldwide profession was possible behind him.
Requested if he was nonetheless eager to play Check cricket, he instructed ESPNcricinfo: “Most likely not now, no. Being sincere, there’s just a few issues which have occurred during the last 12 months. For me, in all probability Check cricket now could be utterly off the radar. However it’s what it’s, I am 34 and I need to get pleasure from my cricket and attempt to win trophies in the direction of the top of my profession.
“Realizing that going to South Africa, understanding I used to be going to play there – clearly with the [Sunrisers] coach, Adi Birrell, right here at Hampshire, I knew I used to be going to play, which was good. It is not one thing I need to be doing, operating drinks at my age anymore. I used to be actually pleased with what I selected this winter and it went effectively.”
“I believe with my age, 34, realistically that is in all probability gone to be sincere. There’s been just a few issues occurred over the previous few months. Chatting with [England selector] Luke Wright, I do know the place I stand. I do not count on to play. I am wanting ahead to enjoying for Hampshire this season, and the Hundred with London Spirit.”
With the rain teeming down on the Utilita Bowl every week earlier than the beginning of the county season, Dawson mentioned there have been no simple solutions.
“No doubt, it’s totally, very tough. I am fortunate sufficient that I bat as effectively, in order that’s made an enormous distinction over my profession. I’ve at all times batted within the high seven in order that balances groups out. For those who’re simply an out-and-out spinner it is not simple to play in these situations, the time of the 12 months we play. There isn’t any supreme state of affairs, what offers, what does not? When do you play Championship cricket? It is a powerful factor to do. For those who’re an out-an-out spinner it may be tough to get sport time with the climate, however I am unsure how one can change that.
“I did not watch an enormous quantity [of the Tests in India]. I used to be in South Africa, so I watched bits and items. They [Hartley and Bashir] did very effectively. They’re good bowlers. I confronted Bashir final 12 months right here, I assumed he was a extremely good bowler, and the identical with Tom Hartley after we performed them in Southport, very constant. Hopefully they will proceed to do effectively.”
Having spent a number of winters fulfilling twelfth man duties on tour with England, Dawson on this event leapt on the probability to reinforce his T20 CV, enjoying for Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Large Bash League, adopted by a full season on the SA20 – the place he helped Sunrisers to retain their title – after which two appearances within the knockout levels of the ILT20 with Gulf Giants, though on that event he was unable so as to add to what’s a powerful, and rising, assortment of silverware.
“It was a very nice winter, good to carry out,” he mentioned. “Good to get the chance as effectively, to play for just a few completely different groups. Nevertheless it’s at all times good to come back again to your own home county and prepare for a season.
“I am actually excited, I really like coming again right here. It is the identical for everybody at the moment of 12 months. We have an enormous aim as a staff, to attempt to win trophies right here. It is one thing we have performed through the years, we have competed in all codecs. It is not completely different, hopefully we are able to compete in all codecs and possibly win a trophy.””
Alan Gardner is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo. @alanroderick
