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O'Keefe spins a Test message

By AAP .
24 January 2013 01:21PM EST

NSW captain Stephen O'Keefe has strengthened his case to be the bolter on Australia's four-Test tour of India next month.

He claimed an economical 3-52 from 28 overs on the first day of the Sheffield Shield clash with WA, who reached 9-232 at stumps.

Recently retired international batting great Mike Hussey managed 29 on his return to domestic ranks while first-time West Aussie John Rogers top-scored with 45.

Former Test batsman Marcus North failed with just nine from 41 deliveries.

Australia has a dearth of viable spin options to take to the spin-friendly wickets in India, with first-choice option Nathan Lyon failing to cement his spot in the team despite a lack of pressure being applied by Shield spinners.

But O'Keefe, also a capable batsman, attempted to change that on Thursday with a crafty spell before lunch to put their Shield clash with the last-placed Warriors on even terms.

The left-arm orthodox, who with 11 Shield wickets is the competition's leading spinner, dismissed both WA openers Liam Davis (39) and Marcus Harris (25).

O'Keefe had sent the Warriors in on a deck that looked to offer the seamers plenty early on, but appeared a curious decision as the openers put on a 62-run partnership for the opening wicket.

Blues all-rounder Moises Henriques missed the first session while travelling back from Hobart following his impressive three-wicket haul in Australia's 32-run victory over Sri Lanka on Wednesday, but is expected to take the field after lunch.

In ADELAIDE Victorian and one-time Test opener Chris Rogers compiled a classy unbeaten century for Victoria against South Australia.

The Bushrangers were 2-257 with Rogers unbeaten on 118 and Peter Handscom not out  62.

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