O’Keefe scored in adapting on the go, feels advisor Sriram
PUNE: Australia spin consultant Sridharan Sriram hailed Steve O’Keefe’s ability to adapt to Indian conditions and his willingness to learn while bowling .
Addressing the media at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Monday, Sriram said: “India is such a big country, there’s no one-stop solution. So you have just got to adapt on the go. And so I think that’s where Steve O’Keefe really scored, because he was well prepared.
“He was prepared to experiment and try out different things in the nets. So, I think he knew that he had to come with an open mind for every day of a Test match. He knows that. I think that’s his biggest strength.”
O’Keefe, who hadn’t taken a wicket till lunch on the second day, bowled a devastating third spell to rattle India and finish with figures of 6/35 in the first innings. He had an identical haul in the second innings as well, including the prized wicket of Virat Kohli, but by then Australia were clearly in the driver’s seat, having set India a target of 441. Recalling the period when O’Keefe was found walking around instead of joining the team for lunch, Sriram said: “I came down from the viewing area and I knew he was a little disturbed. I didn’t know whether to really speak to him or not. PUNE: Steve O’Keefe was instrumental in helping Australia record one of the most famous Test victories in recent times but hosts India have been quick to put their heavy defeat down to the pitch in Pune rather than the 32-year-old spinner’s performance. India captain Virat Kohli blamed his side’s twin batting collapses on their recklessness, while others felt the turning track had backfired on them. But the conversation happened and he said ‘I think I need to have a bowl with you in the centre’.
“He told me he was a bit nervous to start off with and he was in his comfort zone trying to bowl as he would do in Australia. I asked him to follow what he felt, which was to ‘go a little bit rounder and quicker’, and I think he adapted beautifully.”
Even captain Steve Smith had lauded O’Keefe’s hard work and patience after the match on Saturday. “I have not been with him (O’Keefe) right through. I’ve seen him in patches. But the good thing is you can even follow him bowling in the Sheffield Shield game because I can see it on Cricket Australia’s website,” said Sriram. “I can see what he’s doing. So I’ve been following him quite a bit in that I have watched even some games live, I’ve watched the Sheffield Shield games..”
He was prepared to try out different things in the nets. He knew that he had to come with an open mind I remember telling (the team management) before they left for India, I said ‘I feel like O’Keefe will have the most impact
I will have to see (O’Keefe) bowl on a good test match wicket. Not this one. Until then, I will reserve my comments