SOK throws support behind skipper

Test tweaker Steve O’Keefe has defended Steve Smith’s captaincy of spin-bowling, describing him as one of the best leaders he’s played under.

While Smith’s irresistible form at the crease has drawn plenty of plaudits, the Test skipper’s use of off-spinner Nathan Lyon and field placements for him have been questioned by former players this summer.

His predecessor Michael Clarke, along with spin king Shane Warne, criticised Smith’s use of Lyon during the first Test against South Africa in Perth.

But after ex-Test opener and Sky Sports Radio host Michael Slater put it to O’Keefe that Smith hasn’t “really known when to use” Lyon at times this season, O’Keefe defended Smith’s leadership.

“I have no doubt he is one of the best, if not the best, captains I’ve played under,” O’Keefe said in reply to Slater.

“Because I know him on a personal level, I can understand what he’s trying to say and what he’s trying to do.

“He’s just got a good assessment of batters and even though it may go against some of my plans, I’ll take on board exactly what he says.”

While injury has limited him to just two Sheffield Shield appearances so far this season, O’Keefe netted 11 wickets and was rewarded with a call-up for the third Commonwealth Bank Test against Pakistan at the SCG.

The 32-year-old grabbed four wickets as Australia completed a series whitewash and now has 14 wickets at 32.78 from four Tests.

O’Keefe looks poised to play a key role in India alongside Lyon, though selectors have also picked slow bowlers Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson in the 16-man squad.

And while O’Keefe admits Smith can at times “come across as a bit forward” in the field, he admits he marvels at his skipper’s tactical nous.

“During the Test he’ll say, ‘can you give me an over of cross seam and bowl a bit wider to this guy’ or ‘let’s keep this guy (a fielder) up for a sweep or top edge,’” O’Keefe continued.

“I don’t argue with it, I just go with it because even if it’s not what I’m thinking, I know (Smith) is generally two steps ahead of the game.

“I guess at times it can come across as a bit forward or that he’s just taking into account what he thinks, but I genuinely believe he is a very good captain of spin bowling.

“I’ve never had an issue with him at all, even at Shield level.”