Giles picked for Ashes tour opener

Ashley Giles will play for England for the first time since November 2005 as England begin their Ashes tour against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

Giles, who hasn't featured for England since their tour of Pakistan in November 2005, is likely to play alongside Monty Panesar. Panesar has become England's first choice spinner with a number of eye-catching performances in Giles's absence, and the two are likely to be battling it out for one place when the first Test starts at Brisbane on November 23.

"We all want to impress and none more than me," says Giles. "I want to be playing in the Test team but we also play as a squad, so I'll back whoever is picked."

England will be led by Andrew Flintoff, looking to get more overs under his belt. Marcus Trescothick is also set to play his first game for England since he ruled himself out of the Champions Trophy after admitting he admitted he was suffering from a stress-related illness.

Geraint Jones is likely to replace Chris Read as wicketkeeper, while Mathew Hoggard, Alastair Cook and Liam Plunkett are also likely to return after missing the Champions Trophy.

The Prime Minister's XI will be led by Cameron White and will feature fast bowler Shaun Tait, who played in last year's Ashes series.