JASON Gillespie has backed Adil Rashid to forge a successful Test career with England, despite the knock back of being omitted from the touring party to South Africa.

Rashid was left out of the squad for the four-match series, starting next month, with Moeen Ali retaining his status as the leading spin option and Samit Patel picked as back-up.

It seems the decision to leave Bradfordian Rashid out was, in some part, made to enable the Yorkshire leg-spinner to take up the offer of a Big Bash T20 contract with Gillespie's Adelaide Strikers team.

England are desperate to improve their limited-overs fortunes and see more of their stars playing Twenty20 cricket around the world as a beneficial.

Yorkshire all-rounder David Willey is another such example as he has signed for Perth Scorchers in the same competition.

Headingley coach Gillespie, who will leave for his two-month spell in Adelaide on Saturday, December 5, said: "Rash is 27 and has got a lot of time left in this game.

"You don't take over 400 first-class wickets if you can't bowl – especially as a spinner in England. He's a quality performer and will show his class when those opportunities present themselves more often."

Gillespie, speaking as Yorkshire's players were put through their paces in the early stages of their winter training programme, was asked whether he believes Rashid could progress to play as England's sole Test spinner in the future, not just as the second spinner.

He said: "Absolutely, I certainly think he could do that job. But at this point in time, it appears that England don't quite see that yet.

"I think they're happy with his progress. It was a tough tour to the UAE but he is and will be a better bowler for that experience.

"There is some thought that has gone in from the selectors. They just feel there is a good opportunity for Adil to play in the Big Bash. I think they've done it with Dave Willey as well.

"It was either a Lions tour with him or one of the best T20 competitions in the world. These are good decisions in the best interests of the player."