Steve O'Keefe believes his strong relationship with captain Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Peter Nevill will be crucial to any success he enjoys if called into the Australian XI for the third Test against New Zealand.
O'Keefe was the surprise inclusion in Australia's 13-man squad announced on Wednesday for the historic day/night match against New Zealand, with Shaun Marsh and James Pattinson also recalled.
The 30-year-old was included in the Australian squad for the abandoned tour of Bangladesh and has only one Test to his name. But he has played plenty of cricket with Smith and Nevill for NSW and believes that experience could be crucial in Adelaide.
"I know Steve and of course I hope that can bring out the best in me and I think the other great thing is having a really good relationship with Peter Nevill the wicketkeeper," O'Keefe said.
"Steve's tactical awareness and the belief he instills in the players and the confidence he has is a huge thing.
"He is the best player in the world at the moment so when you get to train with those sorts of players and see how they think, the way they go about their business it helps you and helps instill that belief.
"I would be confident if I do get the opportunity and I can look around the field and see some familiar faces, guys I have played a lot of cricket with and have good relationships with."
O'Keefe's only Test cap came against Pakistan in Dubai in October last year, a match won by the home side by 221 runs. O'Keefe claimed 2-117 and 2-112.
The left-arm finger spinner, who has had success with the pink ball in Adelaide in the Sheffield Shield, averages 29 across 56 first-class games.
"I have played over 50 first class games and one Test, I feel as prepared as I could be without playing Test cricket," O'Keefe said.
"I have played a handful of Aussie A games in which I have done well.
"I feel confident in my ability and that I can get in there and play a match-winning role if that is what is required."
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