Ashley Giles: News

A slow left-arm bowler by trade, English cricketer Ashley Giles was mocked by many as a spinner who couldn't spin the ball. With his ability to generate bounce from the pitch due to his height and his inherent cleverness, Giles shut the mouth of all his detractors. He played his entire first-class career for Warwickshire after making his debut with them in 1996. Although Giles made his ODI debut in 1997 and Test debut in 1998, he did not become a regular slow-balling option for England until the 2000-01 tour of Pakistan. Giles produced a masterclass in Pakistan and earned England one of their famous away victories. In the 2004 Ashes series, he chimed in with valuable contributions, both with bat and ball, and helped England seal their first Ashes win in 18 years. Giles was hampered by a recurring hip injury throughout his career. This, and the emergence of Monty Panesar ended Giles's career prematurely. In 2007, he announced his retirement from all formats of the game.