Ashley Giles is facing a major dilemma over his future as he considers the long-term effects of his battle to resume his cricket career.

The 34-year-old left-arm slow bowler had hoped to bounce back from a year on the sidelines with hip problems by starting the season with Warwickshire and forcing his way back into England reckoning.

But another hip injury before the start of the season has prompted a third operation, which has ruled him out for the summer and renewed fears about his capacity to recover full fitness again without suffering lasting damage.

Giles, who battled back from a year out to play in the first two Tests of last winter's Ashes series, admitted: ''It's more difficult than last time around because it's my third operation.

''Last year I had a light at the end of the tunnel to aim for which was the Ashes and I don't have that this time, so it's become a lot harder to battle on through.

''The underlying thing is that you never know how much long-term damage you are doing to yourself as well.

''I have never thought it is not worth it, but I have to start thinking about it. If in five years' time they think this will do more damage then I will have to take that advice.

''I certainly don't want to look at hip replacements. It is a difficult time because cricket is what I do and cricket is what I have done for 20 years, but I do have to start thinking about the implications.

''It is great to keep going and saying to yourself, 'I will be fine', but the chances of recurrence are very high and I can't keep going through operations.''

Giles believes it will be at least another four weeks before he can attempt running again and another two months after that before he will be fit enough to consider playing cricket again.

He added: ''When you play at the highest level a lot, that love of the game is perhaps taken away from you because of the pressure on you and everything that goes with it, but to get back to Warwickshire has taught me how much I love the game. I still think I have something to offer.

''I've had some dark days because if cricket ended tomorrow for me I'm not sure what I would do, but at the same time I would also be happy with my lot."