Steve O'Keefe lauds impact of Sridharan Sriram on impressive bowling performance

Steve O’Keefe was massively impressive on the day as he picked an amazing six wickets. However, the fact of the matter is that the Aussies stand on the brink of what would be a huge victory in the subcontinent in the grand scheme of things. Of course, the wicket has gotten a bit drier than most tracks in the world at the moment.

O’Keefe however, has stated that he is certainly indebted to the likes of Monty Panesar and Sridharan Sriram. The 33-year old also added that Sriram was perhaps the one to add the most value to him as well. He added that he had worked with Sriram on a few occasions and now is someone who has helped him think as well. O’Keefe also added the impact Monty Panesar has added to him as well.

“I’ve got a good coach who tapped me on the head in between sessions and he’s not afraid to tell it to your face and tell it to you straight, which is excellent. I think, Sri [Sriram], is an excellent spin-bowling coach. I’ve worked with him a couple times now and he’s really impressive, so that’s really helped me I think.”

“Monty’s been excellent when I got to work with him. It was only two days, but he instilled a bit of belief in what I was doing and it was good to chat with him. I think the biggest influence has been Sri. I’ve worked with him in Chennai in the ‘A’ series.

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On the day, O’Keefe added that he spent the better part of the lunch break would be spent with Sriram. “I come on the field, I get to speak with him, he’s a local so he knows the conditions. I get to spend lunch time bowling with him. And he understands how to bowl in these conditions. How the batters are thinking. He has been the biggest help along with the other coaching staff,” he added.

“It’s amazing how things can quickly change over here. I was none of 30 off nine, probably didn’t bowl very well at all in my first, sort of, six overs. And then, it all just happened really quickly, and I guess that’s the sort of wicket it is. It hasn’t really sunk it yet. I think it will if that contributes to a win. Right now, we’ll enjoy we had a good day, but that’s all it is,” he said.