Dawson backs Rashid as England face uphill battle to reach tri-series final

Liam Dawson says England's players are deeply disappointed after successive ODI tri-series defeats left their hopes of reaching the final dependent on other results. Speaking after the loss to Pakistan, the spinner said England had squandered winning positions in both matches but could still learn from the setbacks, according to The Guardian.

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England need Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka on Tuesday and must then secure a heavy victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday to stay in contention for the final. Dawson framed the experience against the longer-term goal of next year's World Cup in southern Africa. He said being able to draw on these difficult finishes in similar situations at that tournament could eventually give the current series value.

The latest defeat came in Lahore on Sunday, when Pakistan recovered from 154 for nine while chasing 242. Shadab Khan and last man Haris Rauf put on an unbeaten 89, reported as the highest tenth-wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase. That escape followed England's failure to defend 429 against Sri Lanka three days earlier, leaving the bowling side with consecutive losses from strong positions.

Dawson also played down suggestions that his increased involvement should be viewed as a verdict on Adil Rashid's future. Rashid was fit and available but did not play in either of England's two most recent defeats. The Guardian reported that Dawson's left-arm spin was considered better suited to conditions in Rawalpindi and Lahore, while Rashid had been expensive in his only appearance of the tournament, against Pakistan.

The 36-year-old defended Rashid's record and stressed that the two bowlers perform different roles. Rashid has played 165 ODIs and needs another 26 wickets to become England's leading wicket-taker in the format. Dawson said his teammate remained an outstanding bowler and expressed confidence that he would continue to contribute for England, despite his recent absence from the side.

For Dawson, the series is part of a return to international prominence he once doubted would happen. He has become a regular in Harry Brook's T20 side and is increasingly involved in ODIs. However, he ruled out reversing his retirement from first-class cricket, saying his days in that format were over even if new Test head coach Stephen Fleming approached him.