Onions ruled out of opener (From Crewe Guardian)

Onions ruled out of opener

9:33am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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England bowler Graham Onions has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh with a back injury.

The Durham paceman picked up the problem during net practice after joining up with the one-day international squad.

Fellow bowler Stuart Broad also has a back injury and is having a fitness test on Wednesday.

James Tredwell seems certain to come in after taking eight wickets against Bangladesh A and, if Broad is also ruled out, there could be a whirlwind Test bow for Steve Finn.

The 6ft 7in 20-year-old only arrived in the country on Saturday but caught the eye with some well-directed, hostile spells against Bangladesh A and may have leapfrogged Liam Plunkett and Ajmal Shahzad.

Coach Andy Flower said: "I wouldn't rule Finn out. He's been added to the party and he's a contender for selection.

"He's bowled with pace on a slow pitch and bowled with accuracy; he's quite a good prospect."

Tredwell, meanwhile, has also done a fine job of proving his credentials to Flower.

"He's got a bit of confidence now and, if we decided to play two spinners in the Test, he's feeling good about himself," added Flower.