Onions handed ECB contract

Graham Onions has been a vital part of England's bowling attack since making his debut

Durham seamer Graham Onions has been awarded an incremental contract by the ECB.

Onions, 26, qualifies for the contract by virtue of having played in four Test matches, in which he has so far taken 17 wickets including 4-58 in Australia's first innings at Edgbaston yesterday.

He is the second player this year - Dimitri Mascarenhas of Hampshire being the other - to be added to the increment contract list.

Hugh Morris, ECB managing director, said: "There is no doubt that Graham thoroughly deserves his increment contract.

"He has been a valuable contributor to the England set-up since making his debut earlier this summer."