Aussie spinner hit with ban in staggering fallout to Test heroics in Sri Lanka
Only weeks after a dislocated thumb threatened his tour, the left-arm spinner asserted himself as a must-pick for future Asian tours with a series-leading 16 wickets at an average of 17.18. But news emerged on Wednesday that Kuhnemann's bowling action has been reported by match officials, and he will now have to undergo mandatory testing.
Kuhnemann will have his action put under the microscope over the next three weeks - likely at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. The results will be analysed by a bio-mechanist and the findings sent to the International Cricket Council.
Players are allowed a maximum of 15 degrees of flex in their bowling arm, and anything more is illegal under ICC laws. Fellow Aussie Chris Green had his action tested in 2020 and was banned for 90 days by Cricket Australia, while the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan and Jasprit Bumrah have gotten away with questionable actions due to hyperextension rather than flexion.
Matt Kuhnemann's series v Sri Lanka:• Wickets: 16• Average: 17.2• Strike Rate: 34.7And here's all 16 of those wickets 🔥 #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/7wtbt2NHIH
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 10, 2025
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Cricket Australia have reportedly been left completely surprised by the decision to report Kuhnemann considering he's been playing first-class cricket for four years without issue. He also played three Tests in India in 2023 and his action didn't raise any suspicions then.
According to reports, Kuhnemann might still be allowed to play Sheffield Shield for Tasmania while the results of the tests are being analysed. However he won't be able to participate in international events sanctioned by the ICC until he is cleared.
If he's found to have an illegal action he'll face a period of time out of the game until it's found to meet standards. He won't play in the ICC-sanctioned Champions Trophy later this month after being overlooked for selection.
Speaking after Australia's 2-0 win over Sri Lanka, Nathan Lyon heaped praise on Kuhnemann. 'Kuhny has been exceptional, and he deserves all the praise that he gets,' Lyon said, . 'The way he broke his thumb three weeks ago and to show the courage to come out here and bowl, I know it's hurting him, but he's there, he's shown a lot of courage and he's bowling exceptionally well.
'He just keeps telling me he's a Queenslander and they're built differently apparently ... even though he plays for Tasmania. He's bowling his best ball over and over and challenging guys' defence, and that's all we can ask. I'm extremely proud, especially given the Test matches he's played, for him to take 16 wickets in this series. I think he's been our best bowler.'
Very intrigued to see what the findings of the test will be for Matt Kuhnemann. To see if the trademark locking of the wrist creates an optical illusion of flex as some have suggested or if there is indeed something more to it https://t.co/qT6JZX5fyE
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 12, 2025
Matt Kuhnemann's action reported during his 16 wicket haul in Sri Lanka Test series. This is the group of officials for the two matches. pic.twitter.com/PadaJ2qJbd
— 🎙️QUENTIN HULL (@QuentinHull) February 12, 2025
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