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Rediff.com  » Sports » Giles ruled out of first Test

Giles ruled out of first Test

By Tony Lawrence
May 25, 2005 18:00 IST
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England left arm spinner Ashley Giles has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh starting at Lord's on Thursday because of a hip injury.

Giles will be replaced by off spinner Gareth Batty.

"He just needs a bit more time to make sure the hip recovers," captain Michael Vaughan told a news conference at Lord's on Wednesday. "He may be available for the second Test. We'll monitor it over the next week."

Giles has revitalised his career over the past year and become an integral part of an attack which has helped England win 12 of their last 16 matches against a single defeat.

"He'll be missed. He's also been in good form for his county, Warwickshire. I don't want to look too far ahead but I fully expect him to be fit come July 21 (for the start of the Ashes series) and hopefully for next week," Vaughan added.

"His injury has not come at an ideal time but it could have come at a worse time."

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Pace bowler Simon Jones, who has recovered from a back problem, was selected ahead of seamer Jon Lewis.

Vaughan will move up from four to three in the batting order to allow Ian Bell to follow the England skipper in his second appearance for England.

Apart from Bell, England's top order has struggled for runs at the start of the county season although but Vaughan was unperturbed.

"For me personally, moving up is a good move. You do need an experienced player at three. I don't feel it's a massive change.

"We would have liked to score more runs but we are pretty confident the players are mentally strong enough. They know how to switch on.

"Bangladesh won't be a walkover and are a potential banana skin. We will give them exactly the same respect as any other team in the world. They gave us a fright in Dhaka in 2003 but we expect to beat them and beat them well."

Vaughan said he would probably protect all rounder Andrew Flintoff in the field after his ankle surgery, limiting him to short, sharp bowling spells.

Bangladesh, who have yet to name their lineup, have never played at Lord's before. The second Test starts next week on June 3 before the two sides take part in a triangular one-day tournament also involving Australia.

England: Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan (captain), Ian Bell, Graham Thorpe, Andrew Flintoff, Geraint Jones, Gareth Batty, Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones, Steve Harmison.
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Tony Lawrence
Source: REUTERS
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