Sidebottom replaces Onions and South Africa opt for Parnell in fourth Test

Graham Onions' growing reputation as an unlucky bowler was confirmed today when he was dropped from an England side which had been unchanged throughout the series. Rumours that Onions had been dropped, and replaced by Ryan Sidebottom, started circulating 90 minutes before play this morning and were confirmed shortly before the toss was made at 10am. Onions has been arguably England's best fast bowler in this series, even though his figures do not confirm that. And, more famously, he has saved two Test matches with his batting at No 11. "We thought we could use fresh legs," said captain Andrew Strauss, who had won the toss and chosen to bat. For South Africa, Wayne Parnell and Ryan McLaren make their Test debuts, with Paul Harris dropped and Friedel de Wet out injured from the side that drew the last Test in Cape Town.