Former Sri Lanka Test captain Mahela Jayawardene will line up for the Adelaide Strikers in this summer's Big Bash League (BBL) campaign, AAP reported.

Jayawardene, 38, played 149 Tests during a glittering career, scoring 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84.

He replaces West Indian Kieron Pollard, who was ruled out of the BBL because of a knee injury.

Strikers coach Jason Gillespie was highly optimistic about Jayawardene's inclusion in the campaign and said that he would bring a wealth of experience to the side.

"Mahela is a champion of the game and is without a doubt one of the greatest batsman to play cricket in the modern era," he said in a statement.

"Having played against him myself, I'm fully aware of the type of damage he can do, so it'll be exciting to have him on our side this time."

Jayawardene, who averages 31.76 in Twenty20 internationals, is likely to be a major drawcard alongside Brad Hodge as the Strikers look to build on last year's campaign, AAP said.

The Strikers finished top of the ladder in the group stages but fell short in the semi-finals.

They will open their BBL season on December 18 against the Melbourne Stars at Adelaide Oval.

(With inputs from AAP)