Spinner Holland to replace injured O'Keefe for Lanka Test series

Kandy, July 29 (IANS) Australia's left-arm spinner Jon Holland will replace injured Steve O'Keefe, who picked up an injury during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Pallakele and will miss the rest of the series, Cricket Australia said.

Team physiotherapist David Beakley said, "Steve injured his right hamstring while chasing a ball in the field during the second session yesterday."

"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. 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," Beakley added.

National selector Rod Marsh said, "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. The selectors have decided to go for a like-for-like replacement for Steve, in Jon Holland."

"Jon had a good end to the Sheffield Shield season and is currently in Brisbane with Australia A as they prepare for a four-day match against South Africa A. 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.

Victoria's Glenn Maxwell has been named as a replacement for Holland in the Australia A squad that will take on South Africa A in a four-day match at the Allan Border Field beginning on Saturday, then in Townsville again the following Saturday.

--IANS

ac/tri/bg