O’Keefe to prepare for India

Steve O’Keefe’s hopes of joining the Australian slow-bowling attack in the four-test series in India from next month have been boosted after the left-arm spinner was withdrawn from the remainder of the Big Bash League to prepare for the tour. The 32-year-old returned home injured after playing his third Test in Sri Lanka last July and was only recalled to the national team for last week’s final Test of the home summer against Pakistan.