Giles set to miss Test

Giles is no longer jumping for joy

England's Ashley Giles has admitted he is unlikely to be fit for the first Test against Pakistan.

The slow left-armer is the only specialist spin bowler among the 12 centrally contracted players, but has not played this season because of a long-term Achilles tendon problem.

"At this stage it is difficult to say how far away I am from playing again, but as I haven't started running again yet. Lord's does look very unlikely," he said.

Giles was England's leading bowler in Pakistan last year, with 17 wickets in three Tests.

But he was less effective in Sri Lanka, the second leg of England's winter ititnerary, after the injury flared up again.

It is a problem that has dogged him for several months and a six week period of rest on his return to England was seen as the best solution for all parties - England, Warwickshire and Giles himself.

Giles' injury means that Glamorgan off-spinner Robert Croft is favourite to be named in England's squad for the first Test at Lord's.

The squad will be announced next Sunday.

Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork and Yorkshire fast bowler Matthew Hoggard both hope to prove they are fully recovered from injuries in the round of County Championship games which start on Wednesday.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff is out of contention after tearing a muscle in his side while playing for Lancashire in the B&H Cup.