Giles confident of Ashes role
England's injured spinner, Ashley Giles, is confident that he will be ready to take on Australia in the first Test at Brisbane next month, as he continues his rehabilitation from hip surgery
Cricinfo staff
10-Oct-2006
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Giles is a non-playing member of England's Champions Trophy squad, having not played a competitive game since the tour of Pakistan last winter. But he has been working hard in the nets at England's base in Delhi, bowling up to 12 overs at a time and concentrating on his fitness.
"I am here to finish off the end of my rehab, to bowl as much as I can and to make sure I am sharp when I arrive in Australia," said Giles, 33, who was a valuable member of England's Ashes-winning team in 2005. He took 10 wickets in the series, including all of Australia's top eight, and scored valuable runs at crucial moments, particularly at Trent Bridge and The Oval.
Giles has not been greatly missed this summer, however, with the emergence of Monty Panesar suggesting that England have found a multi-dimensional spinner capable of attack and defence in equal measure. But Giles is still sure he is worth his place in the side, and is convinced he can step straight back into the fray in Australia.
"If I am happy with how I am bowling, even in net practice, I am willing to take on a Test match every time," he told the BBC. "I could play any number of first-class games, feel like I'm bowling rubbish and not be confident. But if the ball is coming out well and I feel in good rhythm, that will be the sign to me."
As for the challenge posed by Panesar's performances, Giles was phlegmatic. "He's the guy who has done well, he's in possession and it's up to me to try to win that place back. If I don't, I support. We showed last summer we play for each other and as a team. There can't afford to be any divisions in our side."