Australian spinner Steve O’Keefe who took 12 wickets for 70 runs against India in a 2017 Test which are best figures by a visiting spinner to date, has decided to call it quits in the first-class cricket on Sunday after New South Wales decided against retaining him.

The left-arm spinner was really disappointed as he was the leading wicket-taker among spinners in the recent Sheffield Shield season, which had started the speculations of a possible Test recall for the 35-year-old.

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“I was disappointed when I was told that I wasn’t getting a contract but I respect and accept the decision, so I have decided to retire from first-class cricket. When I think about my time playing cricket, camaraderie is what I’ll miss most,” O’Keefe said in a statement.

The 35-year-old has represented Australia in 9 Test matches with 35 wickets to his name with an economy of 2.77, he has also played 7 T20Is.

The New South Wales (NSW) chief executive thanked Steve for his service all these years.

“He is one of the most successful spinners ever to play for NSW, which earned him Australian selection and the captaincy of the Blues. On behalf of Cricket NSW I’d like to thank Steve for his great service to NSW and Australian cricket,” NSW chief executive said.

(With Reuters inputs)