To avoid another series collapse in sub-continent, Australia have already started with their preparations, by pulling out the left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe of the ongoing Big Bash League in a bid to prepare him for the Indian tour. As a reminder, the tour is more than 40 days away, starting with the first Test match from February 23 in Pune.
An injury prone bowler, O’Keefe has had a torrid time recovering from the groins and teared tissues in the past. During the Sri Lanka tour, the spinner sustained a side strain in the first Test at Pallekele, making way for Jon Holland for the remaining two Tests. He also missed this year’s Sheffield Shield due to an injury and was out of action for a while.
Australia’s team performance head Pat Howard has said O’Keefe needs to practice with the red ball more in order to get into the groove ahead of the four-match series against India.
“Post the Sri Lanka tour last year we have been in talks with Cricket NSW and Steve on the best way for him to prepare for the tour of India. After his recent injuries, which have caused him to miss Sheffield Shield matches this season, he has had a lot less red-ball match practice than other players that are likely to tour India and it is important he gets as much bowling in the format he is going to play.”
The 32-year-old was a part of Australian team for the third Test against Pakistan andhe proved instrumental in the 220-run win as he grabbed four scalps in the match.