Wednesday 7 August 2013 22:46, UK
Graham Onions has angrily refuted claims that England's players have been using tape on their bats in a bid to beat Hot Spot and avoid dismissal under the DRS process.
The Durham paceman was far happier talking about his excitement at the prospect of a return to the England team on home soil. Onions' last Test appearance came against West Indies over a year ago. "I'm champing at the bit and I'm excited," he said.Gateshead-born Onions, who has made nine Test appearances for England, added: "I still feel a bit nervous, but they are excited nerves really. "The prospect of a playing a Test match cricket again, and playing in front of your home crowd, it's gonna be fantastic if I was given the opportunity to play." Onions appreciates he faces a tough task to force his way into the side, especially with fellow fast bowler Chris Tremlett also included in the squad, but he hopes to get the opportunity. On the prospect of England possibly rotating their bowling attack having already secured the Ashes, Onions said: "As a cricketer you want to play every game, being realistic you're probably not going to be able to if you play all three formats. "For someone like myself where the red ball is my forte I want to try and force my way into the side. "It's not easy, we've got a great crop of fast bowlers. Obviously with Tremlett and some of the young lads coming through as well, it's a privilege and an honour to be part of the squad."
