 Giles says he could still play in the third Test of the series |
England spinner Ashley Giles, who will miss much of the India tour, has revealed surgeons found early-stage arthritis when operating on his hip. "I'm still keen to get out to India. When exactly that is, none of us really know," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"In 10 years time I don't want to be having a hip replacement. But it's a serious joint and (playing again too soon) it could damage it majorly.
"If we just give it a bit of extra time now it could do it a lot of good."
Giles, who has been replaced by Ian Blackwell in the squad that leaves for India on Sunday, said it was "still possible" he could play in the third Test or the one-day series.
"The door is still open for me to go on the tour at some point, basically because we don't know how it's going to react over the next couple of weeks," he continued.
"I'm desperate to play cricket for England but it's better if I'm fit."
The first of three back-to-back Tests begins in Nagpur on 1 March and they are followed by a seven-match one-day series.
 |  With the strength in our pace attack India certainly aren't going to prepare bouncy wickets that suit those guys |
England then face a gruelling 12 months, including home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, a one-day tournament in India, the Ashes tour then the World Cup.
Giles underwent surgery eight weeks ago in an attempt to stimulate the new growth of cartilage in his hip.
"You're in danger if you push it too early you could completely ruin that process," he explained.
"We thought the problem was just a bit of a tear in the cartilage but when the surgeon went in there were early signs of arthritis."
In the absence of Giles, who has taken 140 wickets in his 52 Tests as England's first-choice spinner for the last five years, the tourists are seriously short of experience.
Thirty-six-year-old Shaun Udal, who made his debut in Pakistan, took just three wickets in as many Tests.
Blackwell and Monty Panesar are yet to gain a cap at that level and Giles believes India will take advantage of that as they prepare their pitches.
"It will be tough for them because, although the wickets turn, the Indians are exceptional players of spin bowling," he added.
"With the strength in our pace attack they certainly aren't going to prepare bouncy wickets that suit those guys.
"In those situations you need your spinners to either hold up and end or be your strike bowlers."
MMIX
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