'I want to be in the game, pass on what I know to others'

Do you feel you've been desperately unlucky to have only played 13 times for England?
I do feel a bit unlucky. At times I was compared to Jimmy Anderson, one of the best bowlers England have ever had and one of the best in the world. It was going to be hard to push him out the side, but for a period of time, Andy Flower and the captains didn't feel I was what they wanted. I suppose I do feel a bit harshly done by.

How do you feel those 13 games went?
My one-day international career was short-lived. I felt I didn't get a great deal of opportunity. To be honest, I don't think I was ready to play ODI cricket. Playing Test cricket was the pinnacle of my career, and I feel very, very lucky to have played in the games I did.

Do you still harbour hopes of playing for England again?
Without a doubt. The flame is still burning. At the beginning of last year I had a good chance but it didn't happen. Now I'm probably further down that pecking order but if I start the season well and take wickets in the first six weeks, anything can happen.

You twice helped save Test matches for England with the bat. How seriously do you take your batting?
It's an area that, if you're a good professional, you need to work on. I'd class myself as a bit more than a tailender, but my shot selection at times has let me down.

Tell us about your 9 for 67. Did you think about not running out Luke Fletcher?
I didn't mean to. I'm such a bad fielder that I tried to miss the stumps and I accidentally hit.

What is the plan for when you finish playing cricket?
During 2010 I did my Level 3 coaching qualification, as I didn't know if I'd play again with my injury. I had back surgery before Christmas and now I'm doing my Level 4, just in case. I want to stay in the game and pass on what I know to others.

You used to be a handy badminton player. What happened?
I had to stop and concentrate on playing cricket. I had a few injuries and in the end I had to make the choice. I love playing team sport.

Who is the man you would least like to fight in county cricket?
James Taylor. He's the perfect height to hit me in the goolies.

And who is the biggest softie?
I don't know, help me.

Ben Stokes?
I can't say that. He might go after me. I'll go with Mitch Claydon. He's a big lad but a big softie.

Who is the laziest trainer at Durham?
Michael Richardson. He's not really lazy, or a bad trainer, he's just so laidback.

Who is the most naturally gifted player you have played with?
Steve Harmison could naturally bowl so quickly. Nicky Peng was a class act too, and people couldn't believe he didn't push on. I'll go with Ben Stokes. He can bowl 85mph and hit the ball out the park.

What is the worst headline you have seen using your name?
I saw one which read: Onions makes someone cry. What's that all about? That's just bad headline-writing.

Who has the best beard in cricket?
Mo Ali's is good but I'll go with Mark Stoneman. If we are on the road for two weeks he'll let it grow and he'll look like a caveman. Then, as soon as he gets home, his missus tells him to cut it. He's proper under the thumb.

What is your favourite type of vegetable?
Onions, obviously.

Would you rather have legs as long as your fingers or fingers as long as your legs?
I'd be tiny if I had legs as long as my fingers. I'll go fingers as long as my legs.

You are a Newcastle United fan: where are your boys going to finish in the Premier League?
We've got a chairman who isn't ambitious - for whatever reason. It's a pretty bog-standard answer really: we'll be just below mid-table.

Which cricketer at Durham is the best footballer?
Scott Borthwick likes to think it's him but he's not. We play two-touch but he has at least three, he's so greedy. Mark Wood quietly goes about his business but he's got skills.

What are your superstitions?
I lick the tip of my finger just before I bowl to get a good grip on the ball.