Giles's Misunderstood Role

While the fast bowlers were hailed as the key to England's one-day glory, Ashley Giles had a miserable time during the Natwest matches, as he was constantly criticised by commentators and reporters. Giles, speaking to Geoffrey Dean of The Times, said that he was upset by the comments, but claimed that he was doing the right thing, insisting that "Over the wicket is a great option in the shorter game." On the other hand, he admits that he was not on top of his game, the reason he was so keen to play in Warwickshire's County Championship match with Middlesex, despite the forthcoming back-to-back Test matches at Edgbaston and Lord's.

This is not the first time Giles has been condemned for negativity. A year and a half ago, he famously bowled a leg-stump line to Sachin Tendulkar, who eventually became frustrated, and was memorably stumped for the first time in his Test career by James Foster. He is certain, once again that he did the right thing. He realises that he is not in the same class as Murali or Harbajhan, another reason why he needs to use such strategies, but claims, truthfully, that he 'always does his bit.'

As the summer progresses however, Giles will surely have a larger part to play, as the fast bowlers struggle, as seen on the very first day of the Test series, and as the pitches become more responsive to spin. Hopefully he will be given the chance to fill his misunderstood role in both attack and defence. So far he has shown that he has got his rhythm back, and that his place in the side, as well as his ability to take wickets is as important as those of the struggling Anderson, Harmison and Gough.

Posted by Kelvin