Giles named Bears' No. 2

Ashley Giles

Ashley Giles has been appointed Warwickshire vice-captain for the 2007 season. He will work with skipper Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwe captain and all-rounder.

Giles played in the first two Ashes Tests last year before flying home to be with his sick wife, Stine. He will be available for the start of the domestic season after his omission from England’s World Cup squad.

He said: “It will be a pleasure to support Heath Streak on the field and I am looking forward to playing for the Bears after being away for so long.

“We have a strong squad in place and I know we can be challenging for trophies this year. I hope to pay a big part in the success both in my performance and my leadership.”

Tuesday is the last day of Warwickshire's pre-season training before the squad depart for a tour of Grenada. A 14-man party will leave from Gatwick on Thursday to play five competitive matches against Grenada.