“It feels fantastic right now, this day has been a long time coming, it’s been a tough few months to say the least. There a lot of people I can thank, the staff at ECB, Durham CCC the surgeons, family and friends, they’ve all made it possible for me to be here – they’ve been a great support” said Onions.
“I feel quite strong and to get five wickets is a bonus but I think Durham as a team today were absolutely fantastic and that’s the most important thing. The day didn’t start to well after I chipped one to mid off after saying that I was going to block out as many balls as I could!
“To get the ball in my hand, to run in and then get Adam Lyth out with my second ball was brilliant. The ball didn’t go exactly where I meant it to go if I’m being totally honest but when you’ve been out of the game so long all you want to do is play and take wickets so to take one in my first over was fantastic and I’m absolutely delighted.
“Today’s gone very well but I know I’ve got to keep my feet on the ground and keep putting in hard work. Throughout the rehabilitation stages I’ve doubted myself at some stages but today puts a massive smile on my face.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last 14 months and I like to think that that the five wickets today has put Durham in a strong position. This is my first game back, I’ve bowled 15 overs and that’s a massive step. Just to be back in the changing room with the lads is great. Of course I want to play for England again but I want to play for Durham right now, everything I’ve done in the game has come from the effort from the backroom staff and I want to repay them with wickets and the faith they’ve had in me.”