Smith’s approach to cricket inspires Oz spinner O’Keefe
By ANISunday, October 31, 2010
PERTH - Australian spinner Stephen O’Keefe has said that fellow teammate Steve Smith’s approach to cricket has had a positive impact on his preparations for being an international bowler.
O’Keefe is in Australia’s Twenty20 squad for today’s match against Sri Lanka in Perth.
“I went to India with the NSW team [for the Champions League] to watch and learn how Nathan Hauritz and Steve Smith bowled and how they go about their business,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted O’Keefe, as saying.
“I really liked Steve’s attitude towards the game. It was as if he was just going out to play a backyard contest against his mates or brother … amazing, really … and he really gets you into that contest.”
“Steve has that bit of arrogance about him and it rubs off on everyone else in the team. He has an amazing approach even though he’s only 21,” he added.
O’Keefe was called up to the Australian Test team to replace injured Hauritz for the series against Pakistan in England, but the 24-year-old did not play in the Tests.
He made his Twenty20 international debut against Pakistan in Birmingham where he captured 3-29. (ANI)
