Graham Onions gets in quick to stake claim for Test place

Graham Onions is preparing to resurrect an England career that looked a thing of the past.

After spending more than a year out of the game with a back injury the Durham seam bowler has been drafted into the Test squad in the UAE and seems likely to play in the final warm-up game before start of the series against Pakistan.

Already in Dubai as cover, his place has been made permanent after Tim Bresnan's injured elbow failed to recover. With fellow fast bowler Chris Tremlett still suffering from an eye infection, England will be anxious to ensure as many of their bowlers as possible have match practice.

"It is special when you play for England," Onions said today. "It is the best feeling I have ever had. To have had that taken away was very, very disappointing and it was a tough time in my career, probably the toughest.

"You're keeping your fingers crossed. You're doing all the training, hoping the surgeon has done a good job and kind of fixed you back together."

It is almost two years since Onions flew home from Bangladesh with what seemed like a badly strained back. After months of treatment failed to work, he had spinal surgery and returned to action only last April.

He took 53 wickets for Durham in 12 matches last summer and his wicket-to-wicket style once more attracted the selectors.

Onions said: "If I get to play I've got a hell of a lot of people to thank. Being here with another three weeks, working with the best coach and players, is not something I thought I'd be doing."