Video - Jason Gillespie expecting Adil Rashid to excel in Big Bash League

Rashid was omitted after England said the likelihood of them playing two spinners in South Africa was “extremely remote”, with Moeen Ali their No 1 pick.

Rashid will play for Adelaide Strikers, the Big Bash franchise coached by Yorkshire first-team coach Gillespie, in a move endorsed by England with one eye on next year’s T20 World Cup.

England want the 27-year-old leg-spinner to gain more T20 exposure prior to that event, which takes place in India from March.

“I’m gutted for Adil that he’s not involved (in the Test squad),” said Gillespie.

“I certainly believe that England’s best squad in Test cricket right now includes him, but all the words we’re hearing is that it’s very unlikely England will play two spinners with the conditions out there.

“So I suppose the next best thing is that Adil gets the opportunity now to play in the Big Bash, which is a wonderful competition and hopefully he can learn and develop his game and help us win some games at the Strikers.

“I know that he’ll be up for it, and it will be a good lead-in for him for one-day and T20 duties for England further down the line.”

Gillespie has no doubt Rashid can ultimately be England’s first-choice spinner.

He also supports England’s decision to allow Rashid to go to Australia if he is not going to feature in the Tests.

“I just think England have weighed it up,” said Gillespie.

“If Adil’s not going to play (in the Tests), is he better served fulfilling this opportunity in the Big Bash and playing some cricket leading into the challenges England have got in the shorter form of the game in the new year, or is he better served carrying drinks around South Africa?

“The England management have made the call, and I think it’s a good decision.

“I think Adil can be England’s No 1 spinner going forward, but at this point in time it appears that England are seeing him more as a shorter-form option, although I certainly think they’re happy with his progress.”

Rashid had a topsy turvy introduction to Test cricket in the recent series against Pakistan.

First innings figures of 0-163 from 34 overs in Abu Dhabi were the most expensive by a bowler on Test debut, but Rashid showed tremendous character to hit back with 5-64 in the second innings – the best figures by an England leg-spinner on Test debut since 1933.

Rashid took 1-84 and 1-107 in the second Test in Dubai, and then 0-41 and 1-97 in the third Test in Sharjah as Pakistan ran out 2-0 winners.

It was a tough baptism for a man some feel might have benefited from being blooded earlier in the year – on the Spring tour to the West Indies, for instance.

“I thought Adil showed some really good signs against Pakistan,” said Gillespie.

“It was a great learning curve for him, and he was bowling to some wonderful players of spin in their own conditions. He’s got some work to do, but he’ll be a better bowler for the experience.

“We’ve got to remember that he’s only 27 years old, that he’s still learning, and that he has a lot of time left in the game.”

England’s loss is Strikers’ gain, and Gillespie is delighted to have the player on board.

Rashid will link up with fellow overseas player Kieron Pollard, the big-hitting West Indian, as Strikers aim to improve on last year’s semi-final finish.

“He’s a great addition to our squad,” said Gillespie, who heads Down Under on December 5 and returns to Yorkshire at the end of January.

“I think Adil will do really well playing on that surface in Adelaide.

“He spins the ball hard and gets it above the batsman’s eyeline, and it’s exciting for him and exciting for me.

“Adil played for the Southern Redbacks in Adelaide before the Big Bash was formed and won a trophy then, so hopefully that’s a good omen.”

Another player Gillespie feels can illuminate the competition is David Willey, the new Yorkshire signing.

The all-rounder will play for holders Perth Scorchers in another move supported by England, who gave him permission to miss the forthcoming England Lions’ tour.

“Again, England weighed it up and basically said, ‘What’s going to help him as a player develop –playing in front of big crowds in the Big Bash against quality opposition and international stars, or playing on a Lions tour?” said Gillespie.

“It just makes sense that David goes to the Big Bash.

“I look forward to seeing him do well in most games – just not against the Strikers.”