England have reportedly agreed to release Liam Dawson and Tom Banton from their squad right ahead of the third ODI against India, which is scheduled to be played on July 19 at Lord's.
Dawson, Banton released from England's squad ahead of 3rd ODI vs India
Hampshire's Dawson and Somerset's Banton have been released to to feature in Saturday’s highly anticipated T20 Finals Day. While Banton has yet to break into the starting XI for this series, Dawson featured in the ODI series opener against India before sitting out in the second where England notched up a four-wicket win in Cardiff on July 16.
Their return provides a massive boost to their respective counties following a pair of thrilling quarter-final victories. Hampshire Hawks earned their spot at Edgbaston by crushing Essex by 75 runs at the Utilita Bowl. Meanwhile, defending champions Somerset secured a dramatic win over Yorkshire. Banton was actually permitted to play in that quarter-final clash but failed to make an impact, falling for just one run off five deliveries.
Conversely, Dawson was held back from Hampshire's quarter-final tie after delivering a career-best performance for England the previous day. The left-arm spinner smashed an impressive 68 runs, his highest score in international cricket, before bowling a brief two-over spell.
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The action kicks off at Edgbaston on Saturday morning, starting with a semi-final clash between the Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Somerset. The Hampshire Hawks will then face the Notts Outlaws, with the winners of both matches meeting in the grand final.
Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement on cards
Talking about the ongoing ODI series between England and India, with the series levelled at 1-1, decider will be played on July 19 at the iconic Lord's stadium. Going by the media reports, the final ODI could be Rohit Sharma's last international appearance. Rohit hasn't really clicked with the bat in the first two ODIs. He fell for 11 in the series opener and then followed it with a 47-ball 26.