Giles passed fit for Ashes battle

England's Ashes campaign has been given a boost with the news that Ashley Giles has been passed fit after completing his rehabilitation from hip surgery.

Giles, who took 10 wickets and contributed useful runs to England's victory in the 2005 campaign, was a non-playing member of England's one-day squad in India for the ICC Champions Trophy.

The team flew back to England yesterday, and the team physiotherapist Kirk Russell said: "Ashley has been through a tough time, but he worked extremely hard in India and the medical team is very pleased with the progress he has made.

"He bowled for extended periods in the nets, completed all the drills we set him without any reaction and is now fully fit and able to take his place in the Ashes squad."

David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors, added: "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."

"It's been a long, hard road back for me," said Giles. "I am grateful to the staff at the National Cricket Centre who helped with my rehabilitation and to the England team management for giving me the opportunity to go to India and work with the one-day squad.

"It was always my goal to be fit in time for the Ashes tour and now that the moment has arrived I am really looking forward to being part of the Test squad again."