Dale has taken 245 first-class wickets during his career

Australian seam bowler Adam Dale has rejected a chance to join Warwickshire as cover for Shane Bond.

Dale, who played two Tests and 30 one-day internationals in the late 1990s, was offered a seven-week contract, according to the official club website.

But it fell through because the 32-year-old wanted a deal to cover the entire season.

"We are disappointed that Adam will not be coming to play for us, as he would have brought more international experience to the squad in the absence of Shane Bond.

"It is getting more and more difficult to acquire the services of top international players with such busy schedules," said chief executive Dennis Amiss.

Paceman Bond will miss the beginning of the season because he will be on international duty for New Zealand in Sri Lanka.

Indian Zaheer Khan was Warwickshire's first target as a possible replacement but talks broke down because of his international commitments.

Warwickshire are also looking for a spin bowler to fill the second overseas player vacancy after attempts to perdusdae Australian Brad Hogg to join them fell through after he was picked for the current tour to the West Indies.