LIAM Dawson was delighted with how his England test debut went after he scored an unbeaten 66 against India in Chennai.

The Hampshire all-rounder was forced to watch the first day of the fifth and final test from the pavilion as England closed on 284-4, with the 26-year-old, who was drafted in after an injury yo Zafar Ansari, slated to come in at number eight.

“Day one was a pretty easy day to be fair because I didn’t bat and I didn’t bowl, so I didn’t actually do anything because we did well on the opening day,” said the Wiltshire cricketer.

“It was a little bit strange, as when you are on debut, you obviously want to get out there and either bat or bowl just so you can settle the nerves.

“It was a relaxing day. I didn’t do too much I had to wait until day two and when that came around, I thankfully got some runs.”

Dawson, who has now made his England debut in all three formats of the game this year, admits he never thought he would have the chance to experience test cricket.

Reflecting on his bow, Dawson is more than satisfied with his performance which saw him become highest-scoring England debutant coming in at number eight, as well as claiming wickets of Murali Vijay and Ravindra Jadeja He will now spend a few days at home before jetting back out to India with the limited overs squad on January 4.

“As an experience, it was good. Obviously, test cricket is something that I have never experienced before until I made my debut in India,” added Dawson “It was very pleasing and I am happy to have done fairly well, as well.

“It does feel strange. It was good to do well and it was amazing to make a test debut in India. It does feel a little bit strange but pleasing as well.

“I’m definitely happy with how I performed. To come in on my debut and score 50 and end up not out is very pleasing.

“I’ll have a couple of days off for Christmas and then I’ll get back to training before leaving for India again.”