London, Aug 16: Graham Onions has been called into the England squad as back-up for the fourth Test against India at Kennington Oval. A minor quadriceps injury to James Anderson, and Chris Tremlett's omission due to an ongoing back injury, has opened the doors for the 28-year-old Durham pacer.
“Anderson has experienced tightness in his right quadriceps following England's win over India in the third npower Test at Edgbaston and will continue to be monitored over the next 48 hours,” wrote the England and Wales Cricket Board website.
"Unfortunately, Chris Tremlett has failed a fitness test and won't be available for selection for the fourth npower Test, despite showing strong signs of recovery over the past few days,” the website quoted national selector Geoff Miller as saying.
"Chris's absence in conjunction with what appears to be a minor injury concern with Jimmy Anderson has led to a call up for Graham Onions as precautionary bowling cover,” he explained.
"We are hopeful that Jimmy will overcome this niggle by Thursday but more time is required before a decision on his availability can be made conclusively,” Miller said.
"Steven Finn is obviously in the squad and he is now joined by Graham Onions who has been in good form for Durham since returning from a back injury at the start of the season,” he said.
