CHAIRMAN of selectors David Graveney believes England will lose the symbol of their side should Ashley Giles be ruled out of the tour of India.
England face an anxious wait on their number one spinner's availability for the nine-week trek which begins on February 12.
Droitwich-based Giles, 32, is behind schedule in his rehabilitation following hip surgery last month and was referred back to a specialist by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The ECB's chief medical officer Dr Peter Gregory will now assess the findings of Giles' medical update in the next couple of days before advising on his participation or otherwise.
"If he cannot tour it would be a big loss to us," said Graveney. "But that is sport. If you had to pick one person to epitomise the spirit of the team it would be Ashley.
"His role, both within the side and the dressing room, should not be under-estimated."
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