Positive spin matches Ali with Dawson

England’s new Test captain Joe Root has announced that the Hampshire allrounder Liam Dawson will face South Africa in the first Investec Test at Lord’s.

Dawson made his Test debut against India in Chennai last December and has got the nod ahead of Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-jones to retain his place today.

Root, named as Alastair Cook’s successor five months ago, will lead an England side featuring two spin bowlers – Dawson and Moeen Ali – in a Lord’s Test for the first time since 1993.

Recalled Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance is set to bat at three, with Root at four followed by Jonny Bairstow.

The new captain confirmed, as expected, that Dawson has edged out Roland-jones – who would have been making a Test debut on his home ground.

“Liam is going to play, and Toby is the unfortunate one to miss out,” said Root. “I look at the team and I think it’s got great balance. The guys are really ready and looking forward to tomorrow.

“Liam’s character is exceptional. I thought the way he bowled in India, and the way he’s performed throughout this season, has been brilliant.

“He will bring us a lot of control and a bit of depth in terms of batting as well.” Teams for the first Investec Test at Lord’s, starting at 11am, today: England: JE Root (Captain), AN Cook, KK Jennings, GS Ballance, JM Bairstow (wkt), BA Stokes, MM Ali, LA Dawson, SCJ Broad, MA Wood, JM Anderson South Africa (possible): D Elgar (Captain), H Kuhn, H Amla, JP Duminy, T Bavuma, T de Bruyn, Q de Kock (wkt), V Philander, K Maharaj, K Rabada, M Morkel