The Ashes 2017-18: Steve O’Keefe fractures finger; sidelined from domestic fixtures

The Ashes 2017-18: Steve O’Keefe fractures finger; sidelined from domestic fixtures

It is not just England, who are facing woes ahead of The Ashes 2017-18 with the whole Ben Stokes saga. Australia too have few injuries issues to figure out ahead of the marquee clash of the year. After Ashton Agar and Jon Holland, now Steve O’Keefe finds himself in familiar territory.

O’Keefe broke a digit on his right hand and has been advised rest six weeks of cricket.  The 32-year-old sustained a break to a finger during grade cricket for Manly on the weekend.

O’Keefe will be missing initial three rounds of the domestic 50-over cup that leads into the Ashes 2017-18. Sadly for Australia their leading spinner in the Test arena, Nathan Lyon is also in trouble with a sore shoulder. He was ruled out of the New South Wales and Victoria clash on Sunday. It was however a precautionary measure.

Agar is currently recovering from a surgery that he underwent after breaking his finger during Australia’s tour of India, while Holland underwent a knee surgery for “wear and tear. The first Test will begin on November 23 at Brisbane.

Both O’Keefe and Agar will now be targeting the day-night Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.