Giles leaves Ashes tour to join sick wife

PERTH, Dec 16 (Reuters) England left-arm spinner Ashley Giles has left the Ashes tour of Australia to join his wife Stine who is suffering from a potentially serious illness.

England coach Duncan Fletcher told a news conference at the WACA today that Giles had already left Australia to return home.

''The thoughts of all the players and management are with Ashley and Stine at such a difficult time,'' Fletcher said.

''It is typical of Ashley that he has dealt with this in such a professional manner, and we wish Stine a speedy recovery.

''There is no chance of Ashley coming back to join us at this stage.'' Giles played in the first two tests of the series but was replaced by Monty Panesar for the third match in Perth.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said Middlesex off spinner Jamie Dalrymple, who is in Australia with the England Academy squad, would join the squad as a replacement.

Giles had fought his way back into the England squad after a long layoff with injury but was heavily criticised for his ineffective performances in the first two tests, where he took just three wickets at a cost of 262 runs.

''It's very difficult for the man, having had that operation, especially knowing the man, he's a real professional cricketer,'' Fletcher said.

''I've been involved with England for seven years and I rate him probably the most professional cricketer I've dealt with in England, or the top three.

''To come back and take the flak he did and this news to come along must be very hard for the man.

''As I said he handled it very, very well. When he left last night we just wished him well and hope everything turns out fine for the family.'' Giles is the second England player to return home after opening batsman Marcus Trescothick walked out on the team before the first test because of a stress-related illness.

REUTERS dh ht1805