ASHLEY GILES Slow left-arm spin bowler; right-hand batsman

FACTFILE DOB: 19.3.1973 Team: Warwickshire Test debut: v South Africa, Old Trafford 1998 ODI debut: v Australia, The Oval, 1997

England's leading wicket-taker on the 2000 tour to Pakistan, Giles struggled during the Test series in Bangladesh before his improved run-up saw him enjoy some success in the one-day series.

As with many left-armers, his approach tends to involve frustrating batsmen into rash shots rather than spinning the ball viciously.

But that may pay dividends on the wickets in Sri Lanka, even though the opponents can boast some top-class batsmen.

The veteran Warwickshire player has added an extra string to his bow during the 2003 season, a batting average of 27.25, including two half-centuries, giving England extra depth.