Dawson sustained a ligament injury in his foot five weeks ago, during a spell in the Pakistan Super League, but has been making a steady recovery and returned to the nets on Tuesday (March 21)
Liam Dawson is still targeting a return to action in time for Hampshire's County Championship opener, but admits his chances remain "touch and go".
Dawson sustained a ligament injury in his ankle five weeks ago, during a spell in the Pakistan Super League, but has been making a steady recovery and returned to the nets on Tuesday (March 21).
Over the next week, the allrounder will up his training intensity, with the intention of being available for his county's curtain-raiser against Nottinghamshire at the Ageas Bowl from April 6.
Liam Dawson in action during the 2022 County Championship campaign [Getty Images]
However, that comeback is not guaranteed.
"I obviously haven't started running yet and we know it's going to be touch and go to be fit for the first game, but the plan is to be involved in that game," Dawson told The Cricketer.
"Everything has got to go to plan for the next two-and-a-bit weeks for that to happen, but there haven't been any setbacks as yet."
The left-arm spinner only managed two appearances for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL before sustaining the injury in innocuous fashion.
Liam Dawson in action during the 2022 County Championship campaign [Getty Images]
"I knew straight away when I fielded the ball. I heard a pop or a crack in my foot and I knew that's never a good sign," he said.
"I had all the scans done and it showed I'd done something to my ligament, and it was a six to eight-week return-to-play.
"I'm doing all I can to be fit for that first game. If I'm not, then I'll certainly be fit for the second one."
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