Graham Onions included in England squad

Durham’s uncapped seam bowler, Graham Onions, has been included in the England squad for the first Test match against the West Indies next week. 

Onions, 26, who was called in to the One Day International squad  in 2006 but never used, has taken 162 first-class wickets in 56 matches including a best of 8/101.

The 26 year old was a key member of Durhams championship winning side last year and is the latest in an ever growing line of Durham players, from the region, to represent England, following Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood, Liam Plunkett and Phil Mustard. 

Other surprise changes, in new coach Andy Flower’s first squad, include the bringing in of another uncapped player, Tim Bresnan and the axeing of Ian Bell, Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison.

Ravi Bopara will take up the number three role with Owais Shah left out of the squad following his poor recent series in the West Indies. 

With bowlers Andrew Flintoff and Ryan Sidebottom both unfit, Harmison was expected to keep his place although the selectors have decided to give a chance to Onions and Bresnan ahead of the Ashes later in the summer. 

Selector Geoff Miller said: “This is very exciting for the two young fast bowlers to be included in the squad for a Lord’s Test match and sends a message to all county players that if they put in consistently good performances they will get recognised.” 

Onions, celebrated his call up by taking 6/31 in the Liverpool Victoria County Championship match against Somerset including the wicket of former England batsmen, Marcus Trescothick. 

Onions said: “Every day I go onto the field and learn, it’s going to be a very steep learning curve.  With the likes of Pietersen and Strauss and new coach Andy Flower, it’s a great time and it’s going to be exciting.  I’ve worked hard in the winter and it’s something I can’t wait to get on with.

One of the first things that came into my mind is that it would be great to play at Lord’s for England.  I’ve played there three or four times for Durham and the MCC so to play at Lord’s for England would be the pinnacle.”