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Onions pays price for pants prediction

The Lancashire cricketer made a promise he may regret during England’s World Cup win over Panama.
The Lancashire cricketer made a promise he may regret during England’s World Cup win over Panama. The Lancashire cricketer made a promise he may regret during England’s World Cup win over Panama.

Former England cricketer Graham Onions may be wishing he had stayed off Twitter while watching his country’s footballers in action on Sunday.

The Lancashire paceman watched a physical first half from Panama’s defenders, including two penalties to help England to a 5-1 lead, and made a reckless prediction.

A pedestrian second period, with England closing out a 6-1 win, ended with the Central American side having collected three yellow cards – with Michael Murillo and Armando Cooper both earning suspensions – but no reds.

Onions’ tweet quickly became the focus of attention, with England batsman James Vince – an opponent on Monday as his Hampshire side visit Old Trafford in the Specsavers County Championship – first to weigh in.

Spinners Arron Lilley and Matt Parkinson also enjoyed their Red Rose colleague’s discomfort while Lancashire’s official account summed the mood up.

Onions fans will be eagerly watching the result of the coin toss and the early stages of the action in Manchester, with play due to start at 12pm.