Dawson to seek advice from spin king Warne

ONE of England’s chief tormentors from years gone by could be a key part of the Three Lions’ future after Liam Dawson revealed he will seek advice – from Shane Warne.

Dawson played alongside the Australian legend at Hampshire before Warne left in 2007.

Dawson picked up four wickets in the 211-run victory over South Africa in what was just his second Test, but the 27-year-old knows he still has a lot to learn and plans to speak to his former teammate to get some advice.

Dawson said: “I will try and catch up with him over the course of this series and have a chat with him about bowling.

“That would be brilliant to do. Someone who is that good, been that successful and a legend of the game, you can only pick their brains.You might pick up something that might give you a little edge when you are out there.”

Dawson’s first Test in England followed up from his debut in India last winter, where he made an unbeaten half-century while picking up two wickets.

He was outshone at Lord’s by Moeen Ali, who claimed ten in the match despite being selected as the Three Lions’ second spinner.

But Dawson is not going to change the way he plays, which has brought him success at the Ageas Bowl.

He added: “People probably watch me and think ‘you know, he is not the best cricketer’ but I have got to use my cricket brain. That has always helped me for Hampshire.

“I pride myself on being smart and clever. I’m always trying to get into a battle and enjoy it.

“I have only played two Test matches, and it is extremely hard, but it is so rewarding when you get a win.

“For the first three days I was a little bit nervous. I think that is natural but I think it did have an impact on the way I bowled in the first innings.

“That disappointed me a little bit because I was nowhere near my best there but I like to think I bowled well second innings and if selected for the next Test match hopefully I can continue that on. I usually deal with nerves pretty well but this time I was just too nervous and I have got to handle that better next time and I think I will be better for it.”