GRAHAM Onions dispelled any doubts about his fitness by taking four Durham University wickets on a glorious morning at the Emirates ICG.

After missing most of last season through injury, Onions suffered a groin strain when playing for the MCC against Yorkshire two weeks ago. But he proved he is ready for the opening championship match, starting at Taunton on Sunday.

Capitulation looked likely when Durham University slipped from 45 without loss to 53 for four, but  Indian left-hander Chaitanya Bishnoi resisted for 21 overs to make 27 before Onions bowled him.

After guiding most of his runs through gully, the batsman was aiming to hit a full-length swinger through mid-wicket when his stumps were splattered.

Bishnoi found staunch support from Worcestershire second X1 player Ollie Steele, who was on 18 when the students reached lunch on 106 for six in reply to 448 for four.

Chris Rushworth struck in the day's third over and Onions in the fourth as both openers edged to Phil Mustard. Charlie MacDonnell pushed forward to a good one, whereas Rob Gibson hung out his bat to hand Onions his first wicket.

The others were fully deserved, starting two overs later when University captain Cameron Steel was left groping at a beauty which took out his off stump.

When Onions and Rushworth rested Paul Coughlin began an impressive spell by bowling Will Jenkins with his third ball.

John Hastings was unable to break the fifth-wicket stand of 45, but the return of Onions saw Bishnoi quickly followed back to the pavilion by Dimitri Ratnayeke, who edged low to Scott Borthwick at second slip.