Giles on his way back
By Sam Hathaway
April 24 2006
Ashley Giles will missout on England's series with Sri Lanka but has received some good news involving his latest injury. The left arm spinner, who has not bowled since hip surgery in December, had feared his career was over.
But the 33 year old has now been diagnosed with a hernia and is hopeful of returning for Pakistan's tour of England in July.
"I'm a lot more confident and happy now that we seem to have put our finger on the reason I've not been able to rehab properly," Giles told BBC Five Live.
"We were looking at another hip operation, which is a lot more major surgery and a longer process to get back - probably three months.
"This, I'm told, should be six weeks and I'm back playing."
The problem may have occurred during Giles' recovery from his original operation on 7 December, although his hip has been a long-term problem.
"I went back into the waiting room and said, 'I've got a hernia - great news!' and they thought I was a complete nutcase," he continued.
"Time and time again I've tried to start running and two days later I'm back with my feet up."
Giles is certain to miss the three Tests and five one-day internationals against Sri Lanka which is a blow but the first Test against Pakistan at Lord's on 13 July is now an achievable target.
England fans will be delighted to see Gilo back and playing as soon as possible and behalf of sport network i would like to wish Ashley a quick recovery.
In other news these following players will return or miss the games against Sri Lanka:
Michael Vaughan (knee) is training but has not played and will not be rushed back
Marcus Trescothick (personal reasons / virus) hit 158 for Somerset on Sunday and is expected back
Ashley Giles (hip) will miss Tests and one-day series against Sri Lanka but may return later in the summer
Steve Harmison (shin) aims to start running this week with an eye on the second Test on 25 May
Simon Jones (knee) has bowled 10 overs in two rain-hit Glamorgan matches and expects to return