Durham man delighted with call-up as cover for Anderson; his coach Geoff Cook tells MiD DAY that the pacer will cash in on Oval opportunity
Durham man delighted with call-up as cover for Anderson; his coach Geoff Cook tells MiD DAY that the pacer will cash in on Oval opportunityIf there are any lingering doubts over Andrew Strauss' bowling attack being one of the finest in recent English times, those must be cleared when one considers the options available in the face of injuries.
When Chris Tremlett was in doubt to feature in the second Test against India at Trent Bridge last month, the selectors led by former spinner Geoff Miller, roped in Tim Bresnan, who has got and grabbed his chance.
Graham Onions. Pics/Getty ImagesTremlett was ruled out for Thursday's Oval Test after failing a fitness test.
Now, James Anderson has a scareu00a0-- tightness in his right quadricepsu00a0-- which may even lead to him not figuring in Thursday's fourth Test at the Oval. Miller and Co called up Graham Onions as cover with Steven Finn in the squad too. Onions will be a good addition to Strauss' kitchen, which continues to be hot and spicy.
Miller warned that Onions is in good form for Durham. The 28-year-old quick bowler has claimed 39 wickets at 28.82 in nine Championship games this season.
If Anderson doesn't recover, Onions could well play his first game in the Pataudi Trophy series. Geoff Cook, his coach at Durham county is confident that he will cash in on the chance. "I am delighted for him. He is a bowler of some ability and wants to play THAT level, so I am sure he will acquit himself very well," said Cook, who was part of Keith Fletcher's tour party on the India tour of 1981-82.
A back injury forced Onions to miss the whole of last season, so whatever he achieves now is all the more credible. Asked if he expected Onions to come good so soon for Durham after the serious injury (he had metal pins inserted in his back, according to Cricinfo website), Cook told MiD DAY: "I thought the rehabilitation would take a little bit longer, but Graham has been very professional about his approach. He is obviously delighted with his call-up. He worked really hard to get into the England team initially and he has continued along those lines in trying to regain his place."
