English all-rounder Liam Dawson who broke into the international circuit during the tour of India has conceded the fact that the road to international cricket hasn’t been easy for him and he has found the step to international cricket as huge. He was a part of the English XI which won the opening Test against South Africa but couldn’t quite continue their momentum and suffered a resounding defeat in the 2nd Test. It was a disappointing couple of matches for Dawson who failed to make his mark which has put his participation in the 3rd Test in doubt.
Dawson has bagged just 5 wickets in the 4 innings so far and hasn’t contributed with the bat either.
“At the international level, I’m still learning a hell of a lot,” he said. “It’s such a difference in standard compared to domestic cricket.”
Despite being included in the English squad for the 3rd Test he might be well be overlooked as the hosts might prefer an extra batsman in the form of Dawid Malan who looked in ominous touch during his T20I debut against the same opponents.
“From a personal point of view, (the past two Tests) have been hard work,” Dawson told BBC Radio Solent. “I’m still learning a lot. I’ve found it tough and I haven’t performed how I know I can for Hampshire, which is frustrating.” He experienced the highs of an emphatic performance in the opening Test but the 2nd Test loss has put his place in doubt.
He bagged a pair in the opening Test at Lord’s followed by scores of 5 and 13 in the Trent Bridge Test. The media has been scrutinising his performance and Dawson knows that the media scrutiny is a massive part of international cricket.
“I’ve always thought to look from the outside, that media (scrutiny) is a massive part of international cricket,” Dawson said.
“They’re there to have their opinions. When you do well, everyone’s a hero and when you don’t do well, everyone’s the worst player. But that’s part of the international sport and you just have to try to get on with it,” the left-arm spinner further added.