Giles has not bowled since the Pakistan series in December

The 33-year-old spinner, who has not bowled since hip surgery in December, had feared his career was in danger.

But he has now been diagnosed with a hernia and expects to return for Pakistan's tour of England in July.

"I'm a lot more confident and happy now that we seem to have put our finger on the reason I've not been able to rehab properly," Giles told BBC Five Live.

"We were looking at another hip operation, which is a lot more major surgery and a longer process to get back - probably three months.

"This, I'm told, should be six weeks and I'm back playing."

The complication may have occurred during Giles' recovery from his original operation on 7 December, although his hip has been a long-term problem.

"I went back into the waiting room and said, 'I've got a hernia - great news!' and they thought I was a complete nutcase," he continued.

"Time and time again I've tried to start running and two days later I'm back [with my] feet up."

Giles will certainly miss the three Tests and five one-day internationals against Sri Lanka.

But the first Test against Pakistan at Lord's on 13 July is now a possible target.

ECB chief medical officer Dr Peter Gregory said: "Ashley will undergo surgical repair in the near future.

"The view of this specialist, who was consulted last week, was that Ashley has developed a defect known as a Gilmore's Groin, which could account for the pain he suffers after he runs."

Left-armer Giles joins a couple of his England team-mates set to be on the sidelines for England's first Test against Sri Lanka on 11 May.

Of those who missed all or part of the India tour:

• Michael Vaughan (knee) is training but has not played and will not be rushed back

• Marcus Trescothick (personal reasons / virus) hit 158 for Somerset on Sunday and is expected back

• Ashley Giles (hip) will miss Tests and one-day series against Sri Lanka but may return later in the summer

• Steve Harmison (shin) aims to start running this week with an eye on the second Test on 25 May

• Simon Jones (knee) has bowled 10 overs in two rain-hit Glamorgan matches and expects to return