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England paceman Onions delighted to be back in the mix

By PAUL NEWMAN, CRICKET CORRESPONDENT Updated: 06:19 EST, 19 May 2011

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Delighted: Durham bowler Graham Onions

Graham Onions has talked of the dark days when he thought his career was over as he prepares to make his England comeback.

The Durham fast bowler brings to an end a 14-month spell on the international sidelines with a serious back injury when he plays for England Lions against Sri Lanka at Derby.

He admits he feared this day would never come. 'There were times when I doubted I would ever get a ball in my hands again,' said the 28-year-old.

'Then I wondered if I would be able to bowl as fast and effectively as I'd done before. But here I am with a titanium screw in my back and an England tracksuit on and I'm absolutely delighted.'

Sri Lanka were delayed on their way to Derby yesterday after discovering £700 worth of diesel was stolen from their team coach in Uxbridge.