Stephen O'Keefe trains with the Australian squad. Picture: Getty Images
FORMER Hawkesbury Cricketer Stephen O’Keefe sent an emphatic statement to Australian selectors by taking 10 wickets in a tour match in Sri Lanka.
The first of three test matches against Sri Lanka will start on July 26.
O’Keefe took 10-wickets in a three day warm-up match against the Sri Lankan Board XI, which ran from July 18-20.
He took five wickets in each innings, and also added 78 not out with the bat in a test audition, which could not have gone much better for the 31-year-old.
O’Keefe was picked alongside incumbent test spinner Nathan Lyon.
A two spinner pairing is a genuine option for Australia in Sri Lanka, with local conditions conducive to spinners.
Australia won the match by an innings and 162 runs.