Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Smith, Nevill crucial to O'Keefe success

Steve O'Keefe says his relationship with Steve Smith and Peter Nevill could be a crucial factor in the third Test against New Zealand.

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.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"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."


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world