Onions revels in debut display

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Onions, 26, decimated West Indies' batting at Lord's with figures of five for 38 on Thursday - including a spell of four wickets in seven balls - to put Andrew Strauss' team on course for victory. West Indies resume this morning, the third of the first npower Test, on 39 for two, still 186 runs shy of making their hosts bat again.

"There are people in that changing room - Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss - that I never thought I'd have the chance to play with," admitted Onions. "I have to pinch myself a few times. But I really do feel part of this team - and I'm sure I've got a lot to offer."

He added: "I don't think you ever say 'come on skip, give me the ball - I'm going to get five wickets'.

"Andrew did say at the beginning of the Test 'don't put yourself under too much pressure, just enjoy the moment'. I'm certainly going to do that now."

Graeme Swann's faultless performance on the second day developed English momentum - he hit a Test-best unbeaten 63, overshadowing centurion Ravi Bopara, and claimed three wickets after bizarrely being entrusted with the new ball.

With half the opposition dismissed, however, Onions stole the limelight.

"I was just trying so hard to get the first wicket, thinking 'make sure I get one wicket'," Onions, who is yet to bowl in the second innings, reflected. "It's always good to get one early and settle your nerves.

"But then when I went for 15 in two overs, I was thinking 'it might be quite tough, this Test cricket'.

"To get that first wicket, I was delighted. Then after that, it just happened so quickly - but I can remember every minute of it."