Giles faces fitness test on hip

Ashley Giles faces a fitness test ahead of the 1st Test against Bangladesh, starting at Lord's, on Thursday. He has been troubled by a hip problem since Warwickshire's Championship match against Sussex at Hove on May 10.

Giles was restricted to 11 overs in the match but batted in both innings and was confident of making the Test side. However, he is now feeling discomfort again and will be put through his paces by England's medical team on Monday. Giles has begun the season in superb form, taking 24 wickets at 18 apiece including three five-wicket hauls.

If he is not fit Gareth Batty, the Worcestershire offspinner, would be called-up as cover and has been in good form recently. In Worcestershire's current Championship match against Essex at Chelmsford he has made 54 and taken 3 for 26.

Giles's injury could increase the chances of England playing a full hand of seamers at Lord's. Simon Jones has bowled 34 overs, for Glamorgan in their game against Hampshire, to suggest that he has recovered from his back injury. The vulnerability of the Bangladesh batting to the county seamers they have faced may encourage the selectors to pick all their seamer bowlers, therefore giving Jon Lewis a Test debut, especially as it would reduce the workload on Andrew Flintoff.

Duncan Fletcher has said that England will need to make sure they do not take Bangladesh lightly at Lord's. He believes Bangladesh have the ability to make things awkward if England are not on top of their game.

He told BBC Sport: "They are a side that will make some progress. Cricket is a strange game and you can never underestimate anyone. It's important we appreciate there are some good players in their side. There have been other sides who have been in the same position when they've entered the international arena and look where they are today. On any given day if one or two of their bowlers bowl in the right areas, you've got to make sure you're at the top of your game."