Graham Onions passed a demanding examination of his temperament to help England cling on and save the opening Test against South Africa.

The Durham fast bowler, a member of International Sports Management’s stable, batted out the dramatic final over of the day from Makhaya Ntini to prevent South Africa taking a 1-0 lead in the series at Centurion.

England had been comfortably on course to save the match after reaching 169 for three at tea, but lost five wickets for 13 runs with the second new ball to leave last man Onions and Durham team-mate Paul Collingwood needing to see out the final 19 deliveries.

“I hate it when the No 11 has to get us out of jail because it's not their job to do that," said captain Andrew Strauss. "But it says a lot for the individual and also for the team that he was able to get us through a tough situation.

"I can't say I was confident when he walked down the pavilion steps – hopeful would be a better word. I know he's got a reasonable technique but you don't want a ball that scuttles along the ground or nips back. You also have to stay composed and he did that exceptionally well."

Onions’ defiant display follows an impressive start to his Test career, claiming 24 wickets in his first six Tests, after being preferred to left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom for the opening Test.