O’Keefe named in Australia Test squad
The uncapped Stephen O’Keefe and Mitchell Marsh have been named in Australia’s squad for next month’s Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Spinner O’Keefe and all-rounder Marsh have graduated on the back of a superb stretch of form at domestic first-class and international limited-overs level.
Opening batsman Phillip Hughes and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, meanwhile, have been recalled – and captain Michael Clarke despite a recurring hamstring injury.
“We have picked O’Keefe as the extra spinner for the Test tour. We are unsure what pitch conditions we will encounter in the UAE but we need to be prepared to play two spinners,” said national selector Rod Marsh.
“Marsh is a player of immense talent and is a bright prospect for the future of Australian cricket. His form with Australia A has been fantastic and he carried that through to the recent Zimbabwe tour. If he gets his opportunity, we know he will make the most of it.
“Glenn is a talented all-rounder who enjoys playing on dry pitches. Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad. His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
The two-Test series, which will get underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 22 October, will be preceded by a one-off Twenty20 International and three ODIs.
Test squad: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Alex Doolan, Michael Clarke (captain), Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Johnson, Steve O’Keefe, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts
The incident led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being banned from playing for Australia.