Peter Siddle says the BBL has been refreshing and tips big IPL pay day for Rashid Khan

PETER Siddle says Adelaide Strikers will atone for loss against Perth with ‘million-dollar baby’ Rashid Khan leading the charge.

Hilton Cartwright hits Perth Scorchers to victory against Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League clash at Alice Springs’ Traeger Park on Saturday. Photo: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images.

• Aussies hit max reserve for IPL auction
• Rashid has a Khan-do attitude
• Strikers scorched in red centre h

REFRESHED Peter Siddle will enter this month’s India Premier League auction hoping for a nibble from franchises but expects fierce bidding for Strikers leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

Siddle has relished his first BBL campaign in two years with Adelaide in second spot — powered by leg-spinner Rashid’s 12 wickets at an extraordinary economy rate of five.

“I have put my name in the auction to how I have go. I just want to play cricket whether it is IPL or in England playing county cricket. I am enjoying the Big Bash,” Siddle said.

Adelaide Strikers celebrate another Rashid Khan Big Bash League wicket against Perth Scorchers at Traeger Park in Alice Springs on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

Siddle rates Afghan wonder Rashid the best leg-spinner in world cricket and is “excited” to see IPL franchises shell out an expected $2 million to secure the 19-year-old. David Warner’s Hyderabad Sunrisers fielded Rashid in his debut 2017 season and must match any bids to retain the tweaker.

Siddle has been impressive for the Strikers this season but lamented hitting turbulence in a six-wicket loss to Perth Scorchers in Alice Springs on Saturday. The Scorchers required 30 runs in as many balls to win but took 16 runs off the 16th over bowled by Siddle. Having forfeited Hilton Cartwright’s scalp bowling a no-ball, the former Test all-rounder whacked a resulting free hit off Siddle for six.

“My over at the end was a bit costly. That’s what hurts the most, things could have been different,” said former Test seamer Siddle.

Adelaide hosts Hobart — spurred by leading BBL run scorer Darcy Short with 406 at 81 — on Wednesday night. Away trips against champion Perth and Melbourne Renegades follow.

Fifth-placed Hobart humbled Adelaide on January 4 and will join Jason Gillespie’s side on 10 points with a game in hand by winning.

“Hopefully we get over the line. We have a tough run leading into the finals so it would be nice to get another win at home before we head away,” said Siddle, with Adelaide this season reliant on keeper-batsman Alex Carey, averaging 53.

“We will look to get out there and post a big score.”

IN the WBBL, Adelaide has joined Sydney Thunder at the top of the table after convincingly defeating the Perth Scorchers by 31 runs in Alice Springs. Held to a modest 7/107 after being sent in, the Strikers defended grandly for four wins in a row, knocking Perth over for a measly 76 in 17.3 overs.