Dawson 'Delighted' to Receive EPP Call-Up

Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson has spoken of his delight after being called up to the England Performance Programme (EPP) for the first time.

On Wednesday (28 October), the 25-year old was notified of his call-up to join the EPP by ECB National Selector James Whitaker, who described the selection as an ‘ideal opportunity’ for Dawson.  

Dawson said: “I’m very happy – it was a little unexpected having planned to play in the Bangladesh Premier League but I had a phone call from James Whitaker saying I’d been selected for the EPP. I’m delighted to be called up for a program like that. It’s a good opportunity for me but also rewarding for finishing the season strongly with Hampshire.”

Dawson will now join Hants Team mates James Vince and Reece Topley at the National Cricket Performance Centre (NCPC) in Loughborough next week before attending the batting and spin camp in Dubai, starting on November 11th.

And the left-arm spinner is pleased there will be a few familiar faces: “It’s nice going into the camp knowing other people on the programme – obviously Vincey {James Vince} and Briggsy {Danny Briggs} will be there too with Reece Topley as well so it will be good to be around those guys.”

Whilst on the two and a half-week long camp, the all-rounder will have the opportunity to work with former New Zealand Test Bowler Daniel Vettori and Dawson is excited by the prospect of working with one of the best spinners to have played the game:

“To work with someone like Daniel Vettori, who is going to be a spin coach there will be fantastic. I’m looking forward to the challenges the camp might bring and whilst it will be hard work, the chance to develop as a player in this way and get some cricket in too is a great opportunity. “

Dawson enjoyed a number of impressive performances in the second half of the season as he finished the Royal London One-Day Cup campaign as Hampshire’s leading wicket-taker with 15 dismissals and 324 runs at an impressive average of 64.

The all-rounder is confident the camp will help him improve ahead of the 2016 season with Hampshire: “I think I’ve got to be myself and take what I do for Hampshire into the camp – that’s the reason I’ve been selected for it so as long as I stick to that it should be a good trip. I’m hoping to take away a few things and put that into practice heading into next season.”