Jason Gillespie has questioned England’s decision to leave Liam Plunkett out of their squad for the forthcoming Test series in South Africa.

The Yorkshire coach says the county were shocked to see Mark Footitt, Chris Jordan and Chris Woakes all preferred to the ex-Durham quick for the four-match series, starting next month.

Plunkett has gone from being a squad member in the UAE for the recent Pakistan series and close to selection for the third Test at Sharjah to being jettisoned from a 16-man tour party.

“I’ve only exchanged a couple of messages with Liam, and I know he’s bitterly disappointed,” said the Australian.

“My only hope is that he’s been given some specific reason by the selectors as to why because we were left scratching our heads at Yorkshire if I’m honest.

“He’s gone from almost playing to not being in a squad for conditions that you would think would suit him - fast, bouncy wickets. He’s one of the fastest bowlers in the country.

“Selectors will have their reasons, but my hope is that it has been communicated with clarity to Liam.”

Although Gary Ballance has been recalled, Plunkett was not the only Yorkshire player to be left disappointed at last week’s selection.

Adil Rashid was omitted as back-up spinner to Moeen Ali, with Nottinghamshire’s Samit Patel preferred.

Gillespie, due to set off for a two-month spell as coach of Australian Big Bash Twenty20 team Adelaide Strikers on December 5, immediately offered the leg-spinner a contract as the team’s second overseas player.

And while he believes Rashid still has a big future in Test cricket, he can understand England’s decision as they look to improve their own white ball fortunes.

They see more of their players featuring in such T20 leagues around the world as beneficial to their future plans, with them also allowing Yorkshire all-rounder David Willey to skip a Lions tour to play for Perth Scorchers.

“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,” said Gillespie.

“He’s a quality performer and will show his class when those opportunities present themselves more often.”

Gillespie, speaking at Headingley yesterday 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.

“Absolutely, I certainly think he could do that job,” he added. “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.

“There are mixed emotions. On the one hand I’m gutted for Rash that he’s not involved. I certainly believe he’s in the best England squad for Test cricket.

“But all the words we’re hearing in the media is that with the conditions out in South Africa, it’s very unlikely England will play two spinners. I think they’ve just weighed up what will be better.

“You’d rather see a player playing than just carrying drinks.

“I’m happy with the decision. And with my Adelaide Strikers hat on, I’m delighted!

“He’ll play eight Big Bash games, hopefully more if we get to the finals, leading into the one-dayers in South Africa and then the World T20. He’ll learn a lot from that.”