Cricket Australia will fully support spin star Matt Kuhnemann, who is expressing shock after being reported for a suspect bowling action following his starring role in the Test series win against Sri Lanka. Kuhnemann, who overcame a broken thumb to take 16 wickets across two Tests at Galle, now faces mandatory testing to determine the legality of his bowling motion. A statement from Cricket Australia confirmed the referral from match officials was made at the end of the series last weekend, amid surprise at this development coming after eight years of professional cricket where his action had never been questioned before.
According to Cricket Australia, “The Australian team was notified of the match officials’ referral following the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will support Matt through the process of clearing this matter.” The representative explained Kuhnemann’s impressive record, highlighting he has played 124 professional matches since his debut back in 2017, which includes five Test matches and four One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Notably, he has featured prominently in the Big Bash League as well, participating in 55 games since 2018.
This situation marks the first time during his extensive cricketing career where concerns about his action have surfaced. “This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket his action has been questioned,” the spokesperson noted. Cricket Australia plans to collaborate closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and independent experts to address the situation, with no additional comments expected until the matter is resolved.
For the time being, Kuhnemann is eligible to continue playing domestic cricket for Tasmania, but he will be barred from bowling at the international level until the issue is settled. He has previously participated without controversy, featuring in 28 first-class matches, five Test matches, and several Big Bash encounters for the Brisbane Heat.
Under ICC regulations, bowlers are permitted to have up to 15 degrees of flexion with their bowling arm. This rule was originally introduced to accommodate legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who holds the record for the most Test wickets of all time.
The development raises concerns for Kuhnemann, particularly considering the case of Chris Green of the Sydney Thunder, who had his action questioned back in 2020. Green faced 90 days sidelined from the tournament but eventually returned to compete after passing testing, even going on to play T20 for Australia earlier this year.
Kuhnemann's performance during the recent series was commendable, averaging 17.18 with his 16 wickets. To date, he has accumulated 25 wickets across his five Test matches. Following the referral by match officials, Kuhnemann will undertake biomechanical testing to examine the biomechanics of his action, with the process scheduled to take place later this month in Brisbane. The results will be sent to the ICC for their analysis.
Should he not pass this testing, it could lead to suspension, compelling Kuhnemann to undergo remedial work on his bowling technique before he can return to competitive play. The situation has put the spotlight on the need for integrity and compliance within the sport, raising significant scrutiny and pressure on the young cricketer.
While this period may be fraught with tension for Kuhnemann and the Australian cricket team, it also serves as a reminder of the rigorous standards set by the ICC to maintain the sport's integrity. The attention on Kuhnemann, particularly following his standout performances, underlines the challenges athletes face as they balance personal achievements with the regulations governing their skills.