Matthew Kuhnemann, Australia’s bowling hero from their 2-0 Test clean sweep against Sri Lanka, has been reported for a suspect bowling action during last week’s second Test at Galle.
Kuhnemann was the subject of a post-match report, Cricket Australia confirmed, and will now be compelled to undergo assessment to rule whether his action is legal.
If that process – using state-of-the-art technology as well as video evidence of Kuhnemann’s bowling in the Test – deems his action is illegal, the 28-year-old he will be suspended from bowling until his action has been modified and a subsequent assessment is passed.
He is currently clear to continue playing domestic cricket for Tasmania but would be unable to bowl at international level, although Australia’s next Test engagements are not scheduled until the middle of the year.
Kuhnemann has the full support of CA who noted the left-armer had not previously had his action queried since making his senior cricket debut in the domestic one-day competition in 2017.
“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,” CA said in a statement released today.
“Matt has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017, including five Test matches and four one-day internationals.
“He has played 55 Big Bash League games since 2018.
“This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action been questioned.
“Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations.
“No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved.”
Kuhnemann was the series’ leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded Sri Lanka Test campaign at Galle with 16 at an average of 17.18.
That haul was the most by an Australia bowler in a two-Test series since Nathan Lyon’s 22 in Bangladesh on the 2017 tour and lifted Kuhnemann’s career tally to 25 wickets (at 22.20) from five Tests.
He has also recorded the most productive return of any Australia spinner in the first five matches of a Test career since fellow left-armer Steve O’Keefe snared 26 (at 20.35) between 2014 and 2017.