Jackson Bird expected to replace Steve O'Keefe for final Test in Dharamsala

Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe who was instrumental in giving Australia their 1st Test win on Indian soil after 13 years with his heroics at Pune in all likelihood is expected to be dropped from the 4th Test in Dharamsala. The wicket in the HPCA ground traditionally assists fast bowlers so O’Keefe might be left out at the expense of right arm medium pacer Jackson Bird.

Bird has the ability to swing the ball and extract steep bounce from the wicket. If the wicket does suit his style of bowling he will definitely get the nod ahead of O’Keefe. The left-arm spinner hasn’t been able to replicate his performance in Pune in the following two Tests which might tempt Steve Smith to go for Bird in seamer friendly conditions.

In Ranchi O’Keefe bowled his heart out and broke the record for most number of overs bowled by an Australian bowler (77) in India without much success. Even in Bangalore where the spinners got enough assistance, O’Keefe wasn’t penetrative enough and failed to deceive the Indian batsmen. Now it remains to be seen whether his match-winning performance in the opening Test will be enough to book his place for the final Test.

Despite Nathan Lyon not bowling in the optional net sessions he is expected to retain his place for the 4th Test given his ability to extract sharp turn and steep bounce from the surface. Former Aussie fast bowler Mitchell Johnson also voiced the same opinion. Bird who is expected to replace O’Keefe bowled at length to David Warner and looked fired up. He also troubled the star left-hander quite a few times during the net session.

Warner hasn’t played to his potential in the series and has failed prey to Jadeja and Ashwin. But the HPCA wicket is likely to suit his style of batting with pitch curator also confirming that a batsman who loves playing square of the wicket will like the Dharamsala wicket.