Ashley Giles is still struggling with his Achilles tendon problem and may require surgery.

Speaking to The Daily Mail Giles admitted: "It's permanently inflamed and sore to touch. I've had this injury for a long time and I can't say I'm 100% fit. I'm playing on with it, but there's not a moment when I can forget it.

"I've lost a lot of strength in my leg and it affects me a lot," he continued. "It's the kick-through leg in my bowling action and I just don't seem to be pulling through all the time as I should be."

England are thought likely to play a spinner at Trent Bridge, with a fit Giles almost certain to play after his excellent tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But the news that he is less than 100% fit may force a rethink from the selectors.

Interestingly, in a CricInfo poll, Phil Tufnell has emerged as the fans' favourite for a recall to the national team. The left-arm spinner and CricInfo diarist is in top form for Middlesex, with nearly 50 first-class wickets to date this season.

It is worth remembering that Tufnell was man of the match when England last beat Australia at home, taking 11 wickets at The Oval.

He's keen to return to the Test team, commentating in his latest diary: "I keep on bowling and batsmen keep on getting out… I hope the selectors notice."

Robert Croft is another option for the selectors. He was in the squad for the First Test at Edgbaston and recently enjoyed a 10-wicket match against Northants, adding 93 runs in the first innings too.

England need to win the Third npower Test to prevent Australia retaining the Ashes.

© CricInfo