9:48am Thursday 11th March 2010
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 today.
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 has been added to the party and he is a contender for selection.
“He has bowled with pace on a slow pitch and bowled with accuracy. He is 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 is feeling good about himself,”
added Flower.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/trade_directory/