Graham Onions says he is ready to play a part in the first Test with Pakistan if England’s injury problems don’t ease.
England, who are 20/21 to win the series with bookmaker, will have to do without Tim Bresnan for the three Test series which starts next week after he picked up an elbow injury.
They now also have doubts over Graeme Swann and Chris Tremlett, who are both likely to sit out of the final warm-up match due to thigh and eye injuries respectively.
Onions is now in line for a return to the Test team after a two year absence, the Durham fast bowler competing with Steven Finn for a place alongside fellow seamers Stuart Broad and James Anderson.
Onions says he is hopeful of being able to plug the gaps if called upon for the first Test in Dubai, which England are 13/8 to win.
“It’s up to me now to try to come into the squad and try and make a difference,” he said.