O'Keefe could partner offspinner Nathan Lyon if picked for Sydney © Getty
Australia left-arm spinner, Steve O'Keefe, looks set to make a Test comeback in the third and final match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). O'Keefe didn't fly with the Sydney Sixers squad to Adelaide for their next Big Bash League encounter and is expected to be named in the squad which will be announced later Friday (December 30).
O'Keefe last played a Test against Sri Lanka earlier this year in Pallekele where he pulled up with an injury midway through the game. He was then in line to be picked for the Adelaide Test against South Africa only to miss out through an injured calf. But he's back to full fitness now and the next opportunity won't be too far away if indications from Australia coach Darren Lehmann are anything to go by.
"I think we probably would (include a second spinner)," Lehmann said on Friday (December 30). "We did last year (in Sydney) obviously, and I think we probably will again."
The SCG, along with the Adelaide Oval perhaps, are two venues which traditionally favour spin the most in Australia. Former Australia vice-captain Brad Haddin noted that "the wicket's been pretty dry this year" and felt that two spinners will definitely be an option for the hosts.
O'Keefe's inclusion, if it happens, could see a pacer, probably Jackson Bird, being left out. That also puts the No. 6 slot of Nic Maddinson under threat as Australia would want to include an all-rounder to serve as the extra seamer as well. Lehmann concurred with the suggestion which he felt would "take some load off the quicks".
