Former Australia Test spinner Stephen O'Keefe has announced retirement from first-class cricket after being removed from New South Wales' list of contracted players for the next domestic season. The 35-year-old left-arm spinner has played 09 Test matches for Australia, in which he took 35 wickets. He took 12 wickets against India in Pune in 2017. O'Keefe confirmed that he has retired from first-class cricket.

New South Wales won the Sheffield Shield last season with O'Keefe contributing 16 wickets at an average of 22.25. It was the best performance by any spinner in the competition. Nathan Lyon is still New South Wales' main choice in spin, but he is often unavailable due to playing international matches.

O'Keefe said he was disappointed, but accepted the decision of New South Wales. He said that it is an honor for me to play for my country and captain my province but even more proud that I played with some of the best players. O'Keefe said that when I remember my days playing cricket, it seems that I will miss it the most.

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