 Onions was initially included as an unofficial back up player, but when fast-bowling all-rounder Tim Bresnan failed to recover from elbow surgery Onions became a full member of the squad.Though he did not play for England in the winter, Onions pressed his case for selection in April by taking his best bowling figures since 2009.Playing against Middlesex in the County Championship, Onions claimed 6/45 in the first innings, passing 300 first-class wickets, and twice dismissed struggling England captain Andrew Strauss.