New Delhi, May 13: English all-rounder Liam Dawson has announced his retirement from first-class cricket, marking the end of an impressive chapter in his career. The Hampshire and England player revealed his decision on Wednesday, stating that he aims to extend his career in white-ball cricket. The 36-year-old will continue to participate in T20 Blast and One-Day Cup matches for Hampshire County Cricket Club.
In a statement released by Hampshire, Dawson expressed, “I have decided to retire from first-class cricket. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time to focus on my career in white-ball formats. I take great pride in having played over 200 matches for Hampshire and cherish the wonderful memories I have shared with many players over the years.”
He added, “I am fully committed to playing white-ball cricket for Hampshire and continuing our successes. I cannot thank enough all the fans and members who have supported us over the years. Hampshire will always be my home. I eagerly look forward to playing in front of you all at the Ageas Bowl soon.”
Dawson played 218 matches in his first-class career, scoring 10,828 runs at an average of 34.48. His record includes 18 centuries and 56 half-centuries, with a top score of 171 runs against Kent in 2022 at Canterbury. Among Hampshire players this century, only Robin Smith, Jimmy Adams, and James Vince have scored more first-class runs than Dawson.
His consistent performances with both bat and ball earned him the opportunity to play four Test matches for England, including a debut innings of an unbeaten 66 runs against India. During the 2023 and 2024 County Championship seasons, Dawson amassed 1,796 runs, including a century, and took 103 wickets.
Dawson made history with a rare all-round performance, becoming the first Hampshire player since C.B. Levellin in 1903 to score a century and take 10 wickets in the same match against Middlesex in 2023. He repeated this remarkable feat a year later against Lancashire.
With Dawson’s retirement, an important chapter in Hampshire’s red-ball cricket history comes to a close. He played a crucial role in elevating the county to Division 1 in 2014 and helped establish the club as a strong team at the top level over the past decade.
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