Graham Onions has been called in to the England Test squad against Pakistan as cover for the first choice fast bowlers.
The Durham bowler will join the rest of the squad in the United Arab Emirates in preparation for January's series against Pakistan.
England have fitness doubts over three of their fast bowlers, with Tim Bresnan, Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad all fighting to be fit for the opener in Dubai on January 17.
"We've obviously got some niggles from the seamer point of view, so Graham Onions will go out there in a cover capacity," explained national selector Geoff Miller.
Miller added that Onions, a key member of the 2009 Ashes winning squad, may not be needed for the duration of the series though. "If he's not required then he'll probably come back after the first Test, or even during it."
