Rhythm key for Giles

Ashley Giles receives treatment during England's first practice session in india © Getty Images

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Ashley Giles believes a lack of match action should not hamper his chances of playing in the Ashes.

Giles, 33, was named in the 16-man party for the defence of the urn and is currently in India with the ICC Champions Trophy squad, upping his fitness levels ahead of the tour.

He will have little opportunity to persuade the selectors he is ready to return, with few warm-up outings in place before the first Test in Brisbane on November 23.

Fellow left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has established himself in the side during Giles’ 10-month absence due to two operations on his right hip.

However, Warwickshire’s Giles - one of England’s Ashes heroes last summer - insists he will be able to switch straight into international mode if required.

He said: “With me, if I am happy with how I am bowling even in net practice, I am willing to take on a Test match every time.

“I would be more worried if I wasn’t happy with the progression I have made.

Giles is happy with his recovery from a hip injury

“I could play any number of first-class games, feel like I’m bowling rubbish and not be confident. If the ball is coming out well and I feel in good rhythm that will be the sign to me.”

Giles was due to have a more extensive bowl in net practice on Tuesday, following a light trundle in the middle of the Siri Fort ground on Monday.

“I am up to about 12 overs at a time, so I am going pretty well,” he said. “It has been a good progression.

“I am here to finish off the end of my rehab, bowl as much as I can, get a lot of batting under my belt, and just generally be around the cricket scene, which is a lot more intense, to make sure I am sharp when I arrive in Australia.”

Panesar’s attacking threat has added a new dimension to England’s bowling in the past few months, prompting coach Duncan Fletcher to hail him as the best finger spinner in the world.

“He’s the guy who has done well, he’s in possession and it’s up to me to try to win that place back,” Giles said.

"If I don’t, I support. We showed last summer we play for each other and as a team.

Steve Harmison expects a frosty welcome in the grounds

"There can’t afford to be any divisions in our side because it breaks people.”

Steve Harmison, another of those coming back from injury, albeit a short-term one, is looking forward to setting foot down under again.

Harmison was in Australia last October playing for the World XI in the Super Series, and was generally received well following his exploits over the preceding summer.

When England arrive after the Champions Trophy, however, they may face a mixed reception.

Harmison said: “It is a challenge for them as a nation and a team now to stamp their authority on us.

“Joe Public will receive us quite well, I think, because they respect what we did last summer but, obviously, when we get into the stadiums it will be a totally different story.”

Harmison dismissed the merit of any pre-tour verbals following Glenn McGrath’s suggestion that Australia can win every game they play this winter.

“I don’t think the Australians would take too much interest in what we have to say, so we’ll not pay too much attention to what they are saying,” Harmison said.

“Whoever plays the best cricket will win.”