Holland to replace injured O'Keefe for second Test against Lanka

Australia have called in left-arm spinner Jon Holland as replacement for injured Steve O'Keefe for the second Test of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, beginning from August 4 at Galle International Stadium.

Confirming the news about O'Keefe's omission, team physio David Beakley said the former had suffered a moderate hamstring injury during the second practice session and, therefore, he is unlikely to play the upcoming match.

He, however, said it is highly unlikely that the 31-year-old all-rounder would be available for the remainder of the Test series.

Meanwhile, national selector Rod Marsh has expressed his disappointment over O'Keefe's injury while adding that they had decided to go for a like-for-like replacement 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,"Marsh was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo..

Holand seems to have been called in the squad following his impressive eight-wicket haul in the Sheffield Shield final and he is likely to make his debut in the Galle Test opposite Nathan Lyon.

Earlier, O'Keefe had scalped three wickets overall besides contributing 23 runs in his side's first innings in the ongoing first Test against Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.