Giles surprised by offers from Australian clubs

Ashley Giles, the England spinner, is cautious about accepting invitations from Australian grade clubs, saying that it is rather unusual for Australia to extend such offers to their rivals before an Ashes series.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier requested Australian-based clubs to give England's injury-hit players some much needed match practice ahead of the tour and the responses have been prompt and positive. Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones and Giles, three key players of the 2005 Ashes, are fighting to prove their fitness before the touring squad is announced by the end of summer. Giles, recovering from a hip injury, has been out of competitive cricket since December.

"I think this whole thing has blown out a bit," Giles told the Sydney Morning Herald. "They [Australia] have not been overly friendly in helping us out for past Ashes campaigns. If there is an opportunity to play there, great, but we could go to South Africa, too."

Dennis Lillee invited the players to participate in Western Australia's grade competition, while New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria too made similar offers to the ECB.

Giles was unfazed by the success of fellow left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, and hinted at the possibility of bowling in tandem with him against the Australians, should he be picked.

"Generally, England has gone into matches with only one spinner, but playing two would certainly be on the cards if the conditions were right," he said. "Monty and quite a lot of the young batsmen have come along brilliantly this summer, which is great for English cricket."