England Squad Releases Dawson and Banton for T20 Finals Day

Hampshire’s Liam Dawson and Somerset’s Tom Banton have been released by England’s one-day international squad to participate in Saturday’s T20 Finals Day, according to their respective counties.

Both players are currently part of Brendon McCullum’s squad competing against India in the ongoing ODI series, with the final match scheduled for Sunday at Lord’s.

While Banton has not featured in the series thus far, Dawson featured in the opening ODI defeat but missed Thursday’s four-wicket victory in Cardiff.

Hampshire and Somerset secured their places in Finals Day with convincing quarter-final victories – the Hawks defeated Essex by 75 runs at Utilita Bowl, while the defending champions Somerset edged Yorkshire in a dramatic encounter.

Banton was previously released by England for that quarter-final but struggled with the bat, scoring only one run from five deliveries.

Dawson was denied permission to play in Hampshire’s quarter-final due to his participation in England’s first ODI against India, where he recorded career-best figures.

The left-arm spinner contributed 68 runs – the highest of his England career in any format – before bowling just two overs.

Finals Day action begins at Edgbaston at 11:00 BST with the first semi-final between Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Somerset.

Hampshire Hawks will face Notts Outlaws at 14:30, followed by the final at 18:45.

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