London, August 9:

England spin bowler Ashley Giles retired from cricket because of a persistent hip injury.

“I had hoped to make a full recovery and return to playing over the next few months,” Giles said. “But the (medical) advice I have received means that there is no chance of me returning to cricket at any level.” The left-arm spinner played 54 Tests, taking 143 wickets at an average of 40.6 with best figures of 9-122.

Giles also took 55 wickets in 62 one-day internationals at an average of 37.61. Giles, 34, debuted for England in 1998, but only established himself as England’s premier spin bowler on the successful tour of Pakistan in 2000-01.

However, he struggled with injuries and form, and was often the target of media criticism after successive captains used him to slow scoring through negative bowling that had little chance of taking wickets.

In 2005, Giles took 10 wickets in England’s successful Ashes campaign, and on the final day of the series recorded his highest test score of 59 to help seal the victory. His test batting average of 20.89 included four 50s.