Strikers have BBL spin depth to cover Rashid: Gillespie

Drawcard Rashid will miss the BBL tournament after having back surgery, leaving a gaping hole in Adelaide's line-up.

But Gillespie says the Afghan's withdrawal creates a coveted opportunity for the likes of Cameron Boyce and Ben Manenti.

"We feel we've got plenty of options," Gillespie said on Friday.

"We would love to have Rash here, no doubt about that, any team would - but he's not.

"We just hope that he recovers well from back surgery and he's back on the park as soon as possible.

"But it just gives someone else an opportunity and we feel we've got all bases covered in terms of our list.

"Our spin stocks are really competent.

"We have got Cameron Boyce, Ben Manenti, Matt Short and D'Arcy Short who bowls spin as well, so we feel in that space we have got things covered."

The Strikers open their campaign on Saturday night with a home fixture against Brisbane Heat, who thumped the Melbourne Stars by 103 runs in the tournament opener on Thursday night.

Adelaide opted against summoning another spinner to replace Rashid, instead plumping for English left-arm quick David Payne, who will be available from game two.

"There were a number of players who are available for three or four games," Gillespie said.

"David, obviously being a left armer who can swing the ball, is available for the whole tournament so we put a bit of value on that."

The signing of Short from Hobart was also a factor, with the left-armer to open the batting with Adelaide's new captain Matt Short.

"We will have Short-Short up top which is very exciting," Gillespie said.

"D'Arcy has been a fine player for many years playing down at Hobart and we just think he's a quality player who adds real value.

"He bowls some spin as well, is a very good fielder and he smacks him up top, so really excited to see what he can bring."

The Strikers' will be without Travis Head and Alex Carey because of Australian Test commitments.

Australian Associated Press