Published: Feb 27, 2017, 12:58 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 28, 2017, 11:24 AM (IST)
Australia coach Darren Lehmann showered praises on left-arm orthodox Steve O’ Keefe for his magical spell in the first of the four-Test series against India. Lehmann has compared O’Keefe’s first innings (6 for 35) with Mitchell Johnson‘s stunning spell (7 for 40) in Adelaide against England in The Ashes 2013-14. O’Keefe was rightly adjudged Man of the Match. His 12 for 70 was also his best figures for an Australian bowler on Indian soil. However, both teams will now lock horns at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium for the second Test. Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs Australia 1st Test at at Pune
“An exceptional spell; I haven’t seen that since Mitchell Johnson in the Ashes with England in Adelaide when he tore them apart,” Lehmann told Australian press. O’Keefe was successful in restricting the Indian batsmen, who are undoubtedly good players of spin in their own backyard. He is the only bowler after England’s left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, who had achieved such feat in Mumbai five years ago.
Initially, O’Keefe was greatly criticised for his inclusion in the Australian squad. However, he squashed all the talks by displaying a stellar performance. Lehmann admitted that the Australian skipper, Steven Smith was equally determined and managed to maintain his composure on a difficult surface. “I haven’t seen him so determined. He’s always determined; he’s captain of our country and plays really well obviously, but he knows conditions on that wicket (were difficult). To make a hundred was very special, so that’d have to be in his top few for sure,” he said.
Lehmann also shed some light on the young Matt Renshaw. “He hadn’t actually hit the ball that well in our lead-up, but for some reason when he gets out in the middle, he knows exactly what he wants to do and how he wants to do.” Lehmann believed that Renshaw had a clear plan in mind and he executed it well. He was happy that Renshaw was able to develop a good insight about the game so early.
