Giles leaves Ashes tour

16 December 2006

Ashley Giles is set to fly home

England have announced that Ashley Giles is returning home to the UK from the Ashes tour of Australia in order to be with his wife Stine, who is suffering from a potentially serious illness.

The Warwickshire left-arm spinner will be replaced in England’s Ashes Test squad by Middlesex off-spinner Jamie Dalrymple, who is currently in Australia with the ECB National Academy squad.

England coach Duncan Fletcher said: “This is very distressing news for Ashley and the thoughts of all the players and management are with him and Stine at such a difficult time.

“It is typical of Ashley that he has dealt with this in such a professional manner and we wish Stine a speedy recovery.

“It’s very difficult for him, especially knowing the man because he’s a real professional cricketer.

“I’ve been involved with England for seven years and I rate him as probably the most professional cricketer I’ve dealt with in England.

“For a man like that who’s passionate about playing for England, who really wanted to play for England and got upset when he wasn’t playing it must be very hard for him.

“To come back and take the flak he did and suddenly get this news must be very hard.

“He handled it very well and when he left last night we just wished him well and we hope everything turns out fine for the family.”