Australia spinner Steve O'Keefe will return home from the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka after injuring his hamstring during the first Test in Pallekele.
The left-arm bowler, who impressed the selectors with a 10-wicket haul in Australia's only practice game in Sri Lanka, had to leave the field in the middle of his 17th over in the second innings on Thursday, Day 3 of the ongoing Test.
- Scorecard: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test
"Initial assessment indicates a moderate grade hamstring injury which means it is highly unlikely that he will be available for the remainder of the Test series," said Australia’s physiotherapist David Beakley, according to a statement from Cricket Australia.
"Steve will remain with the squad in Kandy until the end of the Test and will undertake imaging on the injury upon his return to Australia," added Beakley.
Left-arm spinner Jon Holland has been called up to the squad to replace O'Keefe, who claimed three wickets in the match.
"It is incredibly disappointing for Steve to get this injury and I really feel for him. He was bowling well in the Test and had caused some trouble to Sri Lanka's top order," said Australian selector Rod Marsh.
"The selectors have decided to go for a like-for-like replacement for Steve, in Jon Holland.
"He will be on a plane as soon as possible and is a strong chance to make his debut in the Galle Test," Marsh added.
IMAGE: Steve O'Keefe
Photograph: Getty Images
