The Sydney Sixers’ legendary 19-year cricket tenure is coming to an end, and player Steve O’Keefe has all but confirmed that the current Big Bash League (BBL) season will be his last. The 39-year-old, who had joked teasingly that he would retire in 2022, looked satisfied, calling his cricket career “really fulfilled.” With the Sydney Smash approaching, the veteran spinner implied that it might be his final performance at the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Steve O’Keefe recognized that a lot depends on how the thrilling matchup on Saturday, January 13 plays out, as the Sixers, who are now third in the BBL rankings, aim to finish in the top three and earn a home final. In addition to bringing him back together with former Test teammates Steve Smith and David Warner, who now play for the Sixers and Thunder, respectively, the match adds a sentimental element to what may be O’Keefe’s farewell bow on the sacred SCG grass.
“This might be my final game at the SCG because it will be really difficult to play next year. It’s not confirmed 100%, and I will make sure the appropriate individuals are informed at the appropriate moment. I’ve really enjoyed playing it, but given the demands placed on your body and training, I think it’s a little bit beyond me to devote a whole year to cricket right now. With my professional accomplishments, I feel incredibly content and satisfied. According to ESPNCricinfo, O’Keefe stated, “I’ve had a lot of fun this year and am definitely still enjoying it.”
With amazing figures, Steve O’Keefe bows out.
With 94 wickets at an excellent average of 23.40 and an economical 6.69, O’Keefe, who leads the Sixers in wicket totals in the BBL, demonstrated his bowling power. His economy rate was still tight at 6.65 runs per over this season, even though he only claimed three wickets in six games. Despite expressing optimism about the Sixers’ spin department’s future and praising Joel Davies and Todd Murphy in the present team, O’Keefe’s statistical legacy is proof of his priceless contribution.