In what comes as shocking news to the Australian team, the left-arm spinner Steve O’ Keefe has been ruled out of the remainder of the series and has been replaced b the Victorian left-arm spinner Jon Holland.

O’Keefe was bowling his 17th over of the second innings before he left the field because he was finding it difficult to walk as he injured his right hamstring. He could just bowl 2 balls in that over.

Keefe claimed 2 wickets in the first innings and 1 wicket in the second innings on this bowling friendly pitch. Keefe had a good start to the tour as in the practise match against Sri Lankan XI he scalped claimed 10 wickets and also scored a half century to the start to tour on a high note. It was the best time for him to get his due but he now has to wait for another opportunity for this to happen.

“Initial assessment indicates a moderate grade hamstring injury which means it is highly unlikely that he will be available for the remainder of the test series,

Steve will remain with the squad in Kandy until the end of the test and will undertake to image on the injury upon his return to Australia.” physiotherapist David Beakley said in a statement issued by the Australian cricket board.

The Australian selector to stated disappointment on Keefe being ruled out and said

“It is incredibly disappointing for Steve to get this injury and I really feel for him. He was bowling well in the test and had caused some trouble to Sri Lanka’s top order,

Holland will be on a plane as soon as possible and is a strong chance to make his debut in the Galle test,” said selector rod marsh.

A spinner friendly pitch is expected for the second test match at Galle and we may see Holland landing here to make his debut.

Holland has just played 38 first-class matches till now in which he has taken 106 wickets.