ADIL RASHID has revealed that he couldn’t say no to Jason Gillespie’s offer of a place in the forthcoming Big Bash Twenty20 League with Adelaide Strikers.

The Yorkshire leg-spinning all-rounder will link up with his county coach in Australia next month, filling the second of two overseas spots in the squad alongside West Indian Kieron Pollard.

Rashid’s move Down Under cushions the disappointment of being left out of England’s Test squad for the South Africa tour when it was announced earlier this week.

It is understood that Gillespie has been keen on Rashid for some time, but the likelihood of international commitments put any such move on hold.

But less than 24 hours after England’s squad for South Africa was announced on Thursday morning, the move was revealed by Yorkshire and the Strikers.

Rashid, 27, is set for his second spell in the Big Bash after playing for Adelaide based state side South Australia in 2010/11 when they won the competition before it moved to a city franchise league.

“I can’t wait to go,” said Rashid. “First time was in 2010, and I was excited to go there and see what it was all about and get the experience. To go back after four or five years, I’m over the moon.

“I can’t wait to go there and perform and play.

“Jason asked if I’d like to come and play for him. With Dizzy saying it, I couldn’t say no to that.

“The whole atmosphere and environment there is top drawer. I’m really excited.”

Rashid took ten wickets in eight appearances for the Redbacks five years ago, with his career record currently standing at 102 wickets from 97 matches.

He has been a regular part of England’s team for the one-day series against Pakistan in the UAE, which finished yesterday, and he is in line to play in next week’s T20 series.

Although he took five wickets on Test debut at Abu Dhabi last month, he only took three more wickets in the final two Tests and has been overtaken by Nottinghamshire’s Samit Patel.

Gillespie is delighted to complete the signing. He added: “As soon as we identified that we needed another spin option for this summer, Adil was one of the first names that came to mind.

“He is one of the most exciting emerging spinners on the international stage, and I have watched him improve and mature year on year. I feel he is the perfect fit for the team, and it is exciting to have him on board.”

Rashid’s first appearance for the Strikers comes against Melbourne Stars at Adelaide on December 18 before facing Yorkshire team-mate David Willey and Perth Scorchers three days later.