Durham pace bowler Graham Onions has been called into the England squad as cover for James Anderson after national selector Geoff Miller confirmed that Chris Tremlett will miss the fourth Test through injury.
Tremlett has failed to overcome a back injury in time for the final match against India, and with Anderson experiencing tightness in his right quadriceps, Onions has been drafted in as back-up.
England have already wrapped-up the four-match series after another crushing victory at Edgbaston, and they will attempt to complete a clean sweep when play begins at the Oval on Thursday.
Onions, 28, has not played a Test match since January 2010, largely because of a long-term and once career-threatening back injury.
But he clearly remains in England's future plans, and has been recalled to the squad after taking 39 first-class wickets for Division One leaders Durham so far this season.
Niggle
"Unfortunately Chris Tremlett has failed a fitness test and won't be available for selection for the fourth npower Test, despite showing strong signs of recovery over the past few days," said Miller.
"Chris's absence in conjunction with what appears to be a minor injury concern with Jimmy Anderson has led to a call up for Graham Onions as precautionary bowling cover.
"We are hopeful that Jimmy will overcome this niggle by Thursday but more time is required before a decision on his availability can be made conclusively.
"Steven Finn is obviously in the squad and he is now joined by Graham Onions who has been in good form for Durham since returning from a back injury at the start of the season."
