Liam Dawson has decided to retire from first-class Cricket, concluding a successful career with Hampshire.
The 36-year-old all-rounder will still play for Hampshire in white-ball formats, such as the T20 Blast and the One-Day Cup. He feels this is the right moment to leave first-class cricket to extend his limited-overs career.
Hampshire has had a challenging start to the County Championship season, winning one and losing four of their first five Division One matches. Dawson played in four of those matches, taking seven wickets with his left-arm spin, and missed the game against Glamorgan due to an injury.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but I believe it’s the right time for my white-ball career. I’m proud to have played over 200 games for Hampshire and created many great memories with my teammates,” Dawson stated.
“I am dedicated to playing white-ball cricket for Hampshire and continuing our success. I want to thank the fans and members for their support over the years. Hampshire will always be my home,” he added.
Liam Dawson retires as one of Hampshire’s top modern all-rounders, with over 10,000 runs and more than 350 wickets in over 200 matches for the county.
The left-arm spinner has represented England in four Test matches against India and South Africa. Among Hampshire players in the 21st century, only Robin Smith, Jimmy Adams, and James Vince have scored more runs than Dawson.
During his first-class career, Dawson recorded 54 half-centuries and 17 centuries, with his highest score being 171 against Kent at Canterbury in 2022, which was one of his standout performances.
Even though he is stepping back from first-class cricket, Dawson will still play white-ball formats after signing a new three-year contract through 2025. He is set to return for Hampshire’s opening T20 match of the season on May 22.