Giles out of tour of India

[flanflinger]

According to CricInfo Giles has been ruled out, with Ian Blackwell replacing him

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/co...ry/236069.html

I guessed as much after seeing a report on BBC News 24 from Loughborough and Giles was not good at all, Trescothick in interview alluded to him being in a very "negative" mood

Good news for Monty Panesar though, who should get into the Test side, if they play two spinners.

Very worried that Udal is now the senior spinner though...

[Zainub]

An absolute tragedy.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Zainub

absolute tragedy.

Not really - it is just a set back...

We need to look to the future at some point and it could mean a valuable chance for Panesar to shine...

It could be to England's long-term gain..

[Zainub]

I meant from my personal point of view FF and that of the Official World-A-Team King of Spain Fan Club.

[greg]

I am glad they aren't taking him.He can now concentrate on getting properly fit for the summer.Rushing back and not being fully fit would have been no good to either team or player.

[Collyisamackem]

Originally Posted by Zainub

An absolute tragedy.

Seconded, with a heavy heart. Gilo's a huge player for us but I believe in the rest of the guys. Well done to Grav et al for not taking him when half-fit.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

A half crocked gilo is no good for anyone, least of all him. Besides its an oppotunity, a relitvly low risk one at that as a lot of cricket fans wont be as concerned about losing in india as losing at home or in aus, to try out panesar and blackwell. To be honest, who ever goes/plays I'm not as bothered about the bowling as I am about the batting.

[Vrock]

I'll third it although for cricketing reasons as well as personal. Giles is a central part of the unit but I feel it is more important to have him fully fit and wait that bowl him in one series and ruin his career. Hopefully Panesar gets a shot and proves to the selectors that he could be a good promise for the future.

[DomainK]

Its bad news, but like many of you pointed out, its better not to take a half-fit Giles. But I am afraid England will have to play on spinning tracks without a world-class spinner. I havent seen Panesar but I hope he does well. I always believe that touring India is a great learning experience for young spinners. They will have a bad time with the ball alright as the Indian batsmen are very good players of spin. But he will go back with a wealth of experience which will help him in the rest of his career. He will get good spinning tracks to try all his weapons and will get the best players of spin in the world to counter his attacks.....learning doesnt get better than this.

And then England have to seriously take a look at the young spinners and this probably is the right opportunity.

[John]

Originally Posted by DomainK

But I am afraid England will have to play on spinning tracks without a world-class spinner. I havent seen Panesar but I hope he does well.

First world class spinner who can't/ won't bowl round the wicket.
They will miss him though he keeps the runs down. Can hold a bat and is a safe pair of hands in the field.
A worse loss for me would of been Flintoff, Strauss, Tresco, S. Jones and Harmison so all in all not the worst loss. Which says something of his abilities as a spinner, seeing the tours in India.
Now think of Sri Lanka without Murali or Pakistan without Kinera.