Steve O'Keefe has not forgotten Bangladeshi batsman Aftab Ahmed

Left arm orthodox spinner Steve O’Keefe has been brought back to the Australian squad for the final Test against Bangladesh. The 32-year-old has replaced the injured Josh Hazlewood as the Aussies decided to go with a spinner considering the turning tracks of Bangladesh. O’Keefe’s inclusion will mark the bowler’s first visit to Bangladesh with the national side. However, O’Keefe has visited the Asian country before during the Under-19 World Cup in 2004.

The Tigers successfully defeated the Aussies by 8 runs in the plate final that time, riding on a brilliant half century from Aftab Ahmed. While the world has forgotten about Ahmed, whose heroics saw Bangladesh pass the Aussie hurdle, Steve O’Keefe still has a clear picture of the batsman. O’Keefe is currently in Chittagong and also paid a visit to the ground with head coach Darren Lehmann in order to inspect the pitch. O’keefe took out time to speak to the Bangladeshi reporters while leaving the ground and pointed out that he has visited the country before.

What O’Keefe said:

O’Keefe recalled the moment when Aftab Ahmed stepped up to play a brilliant 57 run knock from 70 balls to script a victory for the Tigers. “I got one wicket and 65 runs in that match. But still we couldn’t win. Aftab batted really well. I remember it was a really good match.” said O’Keefe.

Aftab Ahmed went on to play a similar knock for the national side in the year of 2005 when the Bangladeshis pulled of their 1st ever victory against Australia. Ahmed slammed the famous six in the last over off Jason Gillespie which created history for Bangladesh.

Aftab Ahmed who was an integral part of the Bangladesh middle order in his prime has now retired from the game. He has taken up the role of coaching and runs his own academy in Chittagong.