Ashley Giles overcame early criticism to establish himself as England’s top-most spinner. Before retiring in August this year due to a hip problem, the left-arm spinner had picked up 143 wickets in 54 Tests. On Sunday, the 34-year old landed here on an eleven-day special assignment as spin bowling coach for the England Performance Programme. In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Giles spoke on his new role. Excerpts: • You had a coaching stint with Warwickshire before this assignment. What is your role in the England Performance Programme (EPP)? • My role with Warwickshire is the same as in EPP. It is exciting to be hands-on in a coaching role and it feels great to get involved with the England set-up after being forced out early through injury. It will be a four-week winter training camp with the base at PCA Stadium. EPP is like a national academy that prepares the bench strength players. I handle the spin bowling department along with Martyn Moxon who is the batting coach and Kevin Shine who will oversee the fast bowler development coaching. • A lot of young spinners have come up for England, including Graemme Swann, Rashid Khan, Chris Schofield and James Tredwell, apart from, of course, Monty Panesar. What are your views on the spin bowling scenario in England? • With the amount of cricket England are playing, it is essential to have one or two spinners, especially in sub-continental conditions. Monty has been doing well over the past few years and Swann looks an exciting prospect. Spinners need more exposure in conditions suitable for them. Nowadays, most of the English counties have some quality spinners. India has always proved a good hunting ground for spinners and I am sure the guys will gain a lot from this programme here.• How is life after cricket?• Of course I miss playing. Although I was in good shape and expected to play more for England, I realised the hip problem was too serious. Directly after that, Warwickshire came with an offer to coach their side and I accepted the immediately. After spending a lot of time in the England dressing room, I guess I can share a thing or two with the young guys there. We have had a bad season and this time I am concentrating more on the basics along with improving the fitness levels. • What are you views on current Indian spinners, how do you see the forthcoming India-Pakistan Test series? • India have a great history of spin bowling and of course, one has to take into account home conditions. On Indian pitches, spinners have always ruled and I think it makes a lot of sense to field three spinners here in a Test.An India-Pakistan series is always special and I know the amount of pressure you have in these kinds of big series. It is good for world cricket and I am sure it will be a great series.
