Stephen O'Keefe recalled as Australia double up on spin for New Year's Test

02 January 2016 12:23

Australia have named Stephen O'Keefe in their side for the New Year's Test against the West Indies, with the spinner replacing Peter Siddle as the hosts look to sweep the series.

Australia retained the Frank Worrell Trophy with a 177-run win in Melbourne earlier this week, and will go for the 3-0 sweep when the third Test begins in Sydney on Sunday.

O'Keefe's recall is the only change to the team which won the second Test, and he will give Australia a second spin option alongside New South Wales team-mate Nathan Lyon.

It will be the first time in a decade Australia will field two specialist spin bowlers in the same team - since Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill faced South Africa in January 2006.

"I enjoy playing with Nathan, he is a humble, lovely guy who I admire a lot and fingers crossed we can get that opportunity again," O'Keefe said on the Cricket Australia website.

"The year we won the Shield we had some good performances and to play two spinners in a Shield final is a pretty cool thing to happen I guess.

"There are a couple of situations we have bowled the majority of the overs and enjoyed going each side of the bat."

Siddle is expected to spend a few weeks sidelined with foot soreness.

Source: PA