Amidst controversy over his comments, Kerry O'Keeffe writes an open letter, says 'People interpret him negatively and he is not like that'

Amidst the controversy surrounding his comments on-air during the third Test between Australia and India in Melbourne, Kerry O'Keeffe, who irked the fans on social media after ridiculing a couple of Indian players, has issued an open letter, wherein he has stated that people have taken his comments negatively, and that is not how he is.

O'Keeffe was slammed by Indian fans after he mocked Mayank Agarwal, stating the debutant scored his First Class triple century against 'Railways canteen staff', and then followed it up by making fun of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja, mentioning how can someone 'name their kid as Cheteshwar, Jadeja'.

For the first instance, the Australian commentator issued an apology while also saying that he was just having a bit of fun. But following his second set of comments, which even drew reaction from India's coaching staff, O'Keeffe has issued an open letter to foxsports.com.au, in which he has clarified on the recent developments.

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I have been devastated by the reaction to my on-air comments on Fox Cricket during the recently completed Third Test between Australia and India.

I am coming to terms with how negatively those words have been interpreted.

That interpretation is not who I am. It is not what I represent. My style as a commentator is to attempt to find a quirky view to lighten up some of the serious analysis. When I made a remark about Indian first-class batting averages within their domestic cricket competition being made against a “canteen” bowling attack, I was being entirely tongue in cheek. I was certainly not disrespecting Indian cricket, where I toured as a schoolboy and for which I have the greatest admiration as a cricketing nation.

I accept that some fans may not always relate to my sense of humour — but missing the mark on a joke between overs is vastly different to what I’ve been accused of on Twitter and in some sections of the media in recent days. I pride myself on doing extensive research before a match and when I stumbled over the names of Pujara and Jadeja on Day Four, I took a swipe at myself for getting them wrong.

There was no intention to ridicule those two wonderful players and I am horrified by any suggestion to the contrary. I had spent months researching and analysing these two players and when the moment arrived, I stuffed it up. The joke was on me.

My family and I are shocked and saddened that so many have been upset. I have worked alongside my dear friend and colleague Harsha Bhogle for almost 25 years. After many years on radio together, the opportunity to work with Harsha again on Fox Cricket is an absolute pleasure. The support of my fellow commentators over what has been a tough few days for me is truly appreciated.

I respect India, its cricketers and its supporters for their deep love of the game and it hurts me to think a couple of misplaced attempts at humour might compromise our mutual joy in all things cricket. While I’ve listened to the feedback to some of my calls, it’s now important for me to move on and look to the Sydney Test. I love calling cricket for a living and I’ll continue to do it in my slightly offbeat style. I’d like to think I produce more diamonds than rocks in the commentary box and that viewers will give me the benefit of the doubt if I bowl the occasional no-ball.

Yours Sincerely, Kerry O’Keeffe.

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READ: Ravi Shastri Roasts Kerry O'Keefe With A Hilarious Comment After The Australian's 'Railways Canteen' Jibe At Mayank Agarwal

On the Day One of the recently concluded Melbourne Test, O'Keeffe, along with former Australian opener Mark Waugh, during their commentary stint, made some very unpleasant comments about the debutant Mayank Agarwal. Waugh reportedly ridiculed the Indian opener by stating that his First Class average in excess of 50 is equal to 40 in Australia's domestic cricket. O'Keeffe's statements were worse, as he reportedly stated that the 304 scored by Agarwal was apparently against a Railways canteen staff.

Sensing backlash, O'Keeffe apologised for his comments, mentioning that he was trying to have a bit of fun, and in no way was mocking the player.

“I was mentioning the runs Agarwal got in first class cricket in India and there’s been a reaction. There was no way I was demeaning the standard, it was tongue in cheek. There are lots of runs scored so apologies if anyone out there took offence," he said.