Cricket: Australia may opt for two spinners

New South Wales left arm spinner Steve O'Keefe has been added to the Australian squad. Photo / Getty

The most intriguing part of the Australian third test squad is the inclusion of a second spinner.

Adding New South Wales left arm spinner Steve O'Keefe may purely be ensuring all eventualities are covered, but it might give New Zealand food for thought ahead of the series decider at Adelaide Oval starting on Friday next week.

O'Keefe, a 31-year-old journeyman, has played one test, taking four wickets against Pakistan in Dubai last October.

Offspinner Nathan Lyon is a lock for the test, but with a drop in pitch to be used and being the first day-night test with a pink ball, it may be Australia will seriously consider a two-spinner approach.

New Zealand could follow suit and coach Mike Hesson admitted left arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who is highly rated by the selectors, is a chance to make what would be a dramatic test debut.

The other two changes in the Australian squad will not surprise.

Of the batting options to replace the injured Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh is easily the most experienced, with 15 tests, albeit at an ordinary average of 33.11.

The 32-year-old West Australian lefthander made his debut in 2011, scoring a century on debut against Sri Lanka in Pallekelle but has been in and out since.

The other main candidate, fellow West Australian Cameron Bancroft, chose a bad time to strike a poor run of form. His time will come.

When James Pattinson ran through New Zealand in Brisbane on debut four years ago, a bright future seemed assured.

Pattinson ripped out the first five New Zealand second innings wickets in the space of 21 balls and it seemed a new pace sensation had arrived.

His career has been blighted by injury.

In 13 tests, the 25-year-old has taken 51 wickets at 27. Pattinson's last test was in March 2014 in Cape Town - and that was his only test since July 2013.