Giles returns to action with 2nd XI

Ashley Giles: aiming to prove his fitness ahead of the Ashes © Getty Images

Ashley Giles returns to competitive action on Tuesday, as he continues his fitness bid ahead of the Ashes, by playing for Warwickshire's second XI in the Second Eleven Trophy against Glamorgan at Neath.

Giles has been battling to recover from a hip problem since Warwickshire's Championship match against Sussex, at Hove on May 10, and was ruled out of the two-Test series against Bangladesh

A cortisone injection failed to help Giles but now he will hope to show he is making good progress towards being fit for the five Tests against Australia. If he comes through the Trophy game Giles is targeting another appearance for Warwickshire in the National League meeting with Leicestershire at Edgbaston, on Sunday.

Giles told the Press Association: "The plan is to play for Warwickshire seconds at Neath and we'll then look and see how things are.If it goes well the plan is for me to play in the one-day game against Leicestershire on Sunday."

Giles has been a key part of England's success during the last 18 months, not only with his left-arm spin but also his punchy lower-order batting. Since the start of last summer Giles has averaged 30 with the ball and 29 with the bat. He also started this summer in fine style, taking 24 Championship wickets before suffering his injury.

His comeback comes only days after the former Australia paceman Terry Alderman launched a stinging attack on Giles and described him as the weak link in England's attack.