He again missed out on selection to tour with England, this time to South Africa, in favour of the more conservative pick of Gareth Batty. After taking 29 Championship wickets in 2005, Keedy suffered a finger injury on his spinning finger which ruled him out for the final month of the season. The injury likely cost Keedy a place on England's tour to Pakistan and India. Until recently, many observers believed the main reason that Keedy had never played for the national team is his lack of batting talent and poor fielding qualities. Despite this, left-arm orthodox spinner Monty Panesar, who is also not renowned for his batting or fielding skills, played all three Tests in India, and was a permanent fixture in the England squad until 2009. In All Out Cricket's October 2006 edition, Gary Keedy was voted the best county player never to have played for England. Although Keedy only took 28 wickets in the 2008 County Championship, he felt that the statistics did not reflect how well he bowled. Keedy is studying for a four-year degree in physiotherapy at the University of Salford in preparation for life after his playing career. For the 2009 season, former England coach Peter Moores joined Lancashire as the club's coach, replacing Mike Watkinson, who became Lancashire's director of cricket. Keedy admitted to being "nervous" and wanted to make a good impression. Despite initial nerves, Keedy finished 2009 as the club's leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket, with 45 scalps from 17 matches. 2009 was also Keedy's benefit season. Events to raise money included a golf day with Ian Botham and a Strictly Come Dancing-style ball. In a warm-up match against Durham before the 2010 season started, Keedy broke his collar bone. The injury left him unable to play for several months. In Keedy's absence, Lancashire's young spinners, Stephen Parry and Simon Kerrigan, were given opportunities in the first team. Kerrigan was chosen ahead of Parry in the four-day team and cemented his place in the side. When Keedy returned from injury he and Kerrigan sometimes bowled together in the County Championship. Their partnership began with them competing to out perform each other. After a discussion the pair decided they would be more effective if they worked together to build pressure while bowling. Keedy finished the season with 31 first-class wickets at an average of 22.19. During the 2011 season Keedy was preferred