Gilo to play in Australia. Maybe.

Ex-England spinner Part-time England spinner Rubbish England spinner Injured England spinner Ashley Giles has said he’s confident of playing in Australia this winter. He’s currently out in India with the Champions Trophy squad, finishing his recuperation from a serious knee injury.

A knee injury that has kept him from playing for the best part of a year. That’s right – no cricket in a year. It’s bad enough that Michael Vaughan thinks he’s going to be available to play, but now Gilo as well?

That’s not to say he’s a shoe-in as newboy Monty Panesar has earned his wings and fortunately Gilo knows he needs to earn his place.

“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. If I don’t, I support.

Here’s hoping his knee can handle the weight of holding up Monty, whose stature suggests he comes from the Shane Warne school of salad-dodging, as I hope to see Monty in the side for years to come.