Giles' Ashes Hopes Reborn in the Usa
Summary
"CHRIST, ATH,'' said the text message in the middle of last week, "I've not had my legs amputated, you know. Any jobs going then this winter?'' Ashley Giles, it is fair to say, was mildly peeved at not being in either of the mock squads I had to help pick last week to fill a lunch break during the one-day series against Pakistan. At least the message showed that, three operations later and 10 months out of the game, his sense of humour remains intact. Thankfully for Giles, the real selectors had a different set of priorities other than current form and fitness when picking their winter squads.
Like many professional cricketers Giles must have had a nervy time of it lately. At this time of year, careers and livelihoods are at stake in the county game and there are always winners and losers who emerge from the announcement of the winter touring squads. Selection, even for those paid to do it for real rather than for television, can often boil down to gut feeling, which is scant consolation for those who foresee a winter spent in Peckham rather than Perth.See the full content of this document
Extract
Giles' Ashes Hopes Reborn in the Usa
Giles, unquestionably, was a winner when the squads were announced. Despite being out of action for so long, he has not only been given an Ashes berth, but also a seat on the plane to India for the Champions' Trophy, where he will train and practise with the squad even though he is not offic...
See the full content of this document