England vs West Indies: Liam Dawson shows hosts what they had been missing

Dawson, meanwhile, admits he does not try to do anything “flash”.

While Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley have their high release points and Rehan Ahmed his googly, Dawson is a throwback – the old-school magician who can still deceive you with two hands and a pack of cards, without the need for saws, fire and flashing lights.

In Chester-le-Street, he outfoxed West Indies with that understated routine of tricks.

After conceding only four runs from the first over, Dawson struck in his second.

With extra loop, he dropped 10mph from his previous delivery and found the sharpest turn in the match. Johnson Charles charged towards him to be left stranded and stumped.

From there, after two opening overs that cost only seven, Dawson rested and West Indies rebuilt.

Dawson returned, the dangerous Sherfane Rutherford on strike, and the spinner delivered for Brook as the left-hander hit to long-on.

If credit for that one would be generous, Dawson’s next scalp – two balls later – came with another drop in pace and, crucially, a wider line.

From outside off stump Roston Chase gave Ben Duckett another catch in the deep to make England huge favourites once again.

As boundaries flowed at the other end – younger men Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks and Matthew Potts among those punished – Dawson was not hit to the rope until his fourth over.

The dangerous Rovman Powell struck him for four twice but a ball later Dawson changed again.

He went quicker and flatter, Powell was bowled and Dawson had his best T20 international figures.

His 4-20 was also the best by a left-arm spinner for England in the format. Key could hardly have asked for more.

The backdrop to England’s win is the T20 World Cup that looms next year. They have only 12 matches in this format before travelling to India and Sri Lanka, where spin is expected to be crucial.

“That’s not even come into my thoughts,” said Dawson, when asked if he had one eye on making that World Cup squad.

“I’m just happy to be back involved in this, take one game at a time and enjoy every time I play.”

Dawson was an unused squad member when England won the 50-over World Cup in 2019.

Six years on, he may finally be the one they need.