By Sam Hathaway
October 30 2006

Left arm spinner Ashley Giles has been passed fit to play the ashes series. With the excellent form of Monty Panesar it will be hard to see an easy way back into the team for Gilo but England fans will be glad that one of our experienced players is fit while we wait on the rest.

Giles has peformed his drills well out in India as he watched England drop out of the ICC trophy. He completed these drills with England one-day squad and physio Kirk Russell.

Giles said: "It was always my goal to be fit in time for the Ashes and I am really looking forward to being part of the Test squad again."

This hip injury has kept Giles out for nearly a year but he will be glad to be finally back and ready to face the Aussies and defend the title.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "It's excellent news that Ashley has come through the final stage of his rehabilitation programme and is available again for selection."

"He played an important role in helping England regain the Ashes in 2005 and I am sure that he will be keen to make an impact in Australia this winter," added Graveney.