LIAM Dawson is in the middle of a club v country row even before he has made his debut for Hampshire after captain Shane Warne wanted him in the first team.
The talented all rounder, from Hazel Grove in Calne, would have been in the team playing Lancashire in the County Championship this week, but the English Cricket Board wanted him to play for England U19 against Pakistan instead.
The 17-year-old was backed by the Aussie star in his column in The Times.
Warne feels the former John Bentley School pupil is ready to become part of the side. He said: "With Dimi Mascarenhas going off to play for England, Liam would allow us to keep our balance.
"It is an honour to represent your country, but in this case, it would be better for his development to bowl against Stuart Law and bat against Mattiah Muralitharan."
Dawson said: "It would have been the first time I have played in the first team and I'm very unhappy with the decision.
"I am 17 and didn't expect to play yet so I am still very happy I'm being recognised."
Dawson scored 20 in yesterday's one day international in Leicester, where he is due to play again today.
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