There is no helicopter for Steve O’Keefe on Friday, but his evening in the BBL Sydney derby could be more significant than David Warner’s hasty flight from his brother’s wedding. This season might be the last of his professional career and his last game could be at the SCG. “It will be very hard to play on next year so this could be my last game at the SCG,” he said. “It’s not 100 per cent confirmed, and I’ll make sure the right people know that at the right time.” He is the third-highest wicket-taker for Sixers in the BBL with 94 at 23.40 and a miserly economy rate of 6.69. His axing from the New South Wales state list in early 2020 hit him hard, but he was able to find a new lease of life in the BBL. O’Keefe has aspirations to work as a spin-bowling coach and may continue to dabble in commentary. “I’d like to help out, think spin bowling is somewhere I can help,” he said. “It’s something I’m passionate about.” For now, when the season is done, he will take “long service leave” after 20 years in professional cricket.
