Former Australia spinner Steve O'Keefe ends first-class career

The 35-year-old took 35 wickets in nine Tests, as well as 224 at an average of 25.01 in 71 Sheffield Shield matches. He will continue to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash

Former Australia spinner Steve O'Keefe has retired from first-class cricket after he was not offered a new contract by New South Wales.

The 35-year-old took 35 wickets in nine Tests, as well as 224 at an average of 25.01 in 71 Sheffield Shield matches. He will continue to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash, for whom he took seven wickets in their most recent title-winning campaign.

“I was disappointed when I was told that I wasn't getting a contract but I respect and accept the decision, so I have decided to retire from first class cricket,” O'Keefe said in a statement.

“It's been such a privilege to play for my country and captain my state, but above everything else I'm most proud to have played alongside some of the best blokes I've ever met. When I think about my time playing cricket, that's what I'll miss most.”

O’Keefe was the leading spinner in the 2019/20 Shield competition, with 16 scalps in five games. His Test career began in Dubai, where he took four wickets against Pakistan, before finishing against Bangladesh in Chattogram four years later.

He played only one Test on home soil – a dominant victory over Pakistan at Sydney in which he lined up alongside Nathan Lyon. His finest performance at international level, however, came in Pune against India, where he picked up figures of six for 35 in both innings as Australia won by 333 runs.

“Steve has been a committed and consistent performer for the Blues over a long period of time,” Cricket New South Wales chief executive Lee Germon said.

“He is one of the most successful spinners ever to play for NSW, which earned him Australian selection and the captaincy of the Blues.

“On behalf of Cricket NSW I'd like to thank Steve for his great service to NSW and Australian cricket and look forward to him continuing his career with Manly and the Sixers.”

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