Matt Kuhnemann, Australia’s emerging spin sensation, expressed confidence in the legality of his bowling action after being cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 28-year-old was recently under scrutiny following his performance in Sri Lanka, where he was the leading wicket-taker for Australia in a historic Test series. Despite being reported for a suspect action, Kuhnemann remained steadfast in his belief that his action was within the rules.
The controversy surrounding his action had been a source of personal frustration for the left-arm finger-spinner. Having been flagged during the Sri Lanka series, Kuhnemann underwent a series of tests to assess his bowling technique. He spent two and a half weeks awaiting the outcome of these assessments, which led to significant anxiety given the weight of the situation. However, on Wednesday night, the ICC cleared him to continue bowling, ending the uncertainty and validating his confidence in his style.
Kuhnemann reflected on the ordeal with a sense of disappointment, admitting that it was a letdown to be reported following a successful series with Australia. He emphasized that, throughout his career, he had never questioned the legitimacy of his action. With 135 professional matches under his belt since his debut for a Cricket Australia XI in 2017, Kuhnemann felt the testing process was fair, despite the personal challenge it represented. He also acknowledged the professionalism with which the ICC had conducted the investigation, and he was grateful for the clarity the process provided.
The support from his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult period was invaluable, according to Kuhnemann. His performances in Sri Lanka had impressed many, including the Australian stand-in captain, Steve Smith, who expressed surprise at the referral. Smith had relied heavily on Kuhnemann during the series, and the incident seemed even more perplexing given his critical contributions to Australia’s success.
Cricket Australia officials also rallied behind Kuhnemann, highlighting that his action had never previously been questioned at any stage of his career. This backing, combined with the positive results from the ICC tests, was crucial in helping the young spinner navigate the pressure of the situation. Kuhnemann, visibly relieved, expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him by the governing body and his support network.
Looking ahead, Kuhnemann is focused on the remainder of the domestic season, where he hopes to continue his strong form with Tasmania. After fracturing his right thumb while playing in the Big Bash League, he had been sidelined briefly but is set to return to action once he has fully recovered. His potential return to play for Tasmania against Queensland next week could be a significant step in his recovery.
Kuhnemann’s immediate future in Australian cricket also includes the upcoming tours, where he is likely to play an essential role. Australia’s three-Test series in the Caribbean could provide him with more opportunities, particularly as the wickets in the region often favor the use of multiple spinners. Furthermore, Kuhnemann is expected to be a key figure in Australia’s plans for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India in 2027, where he would partner with veteran Nathan Lyon. His ability to spin the ball in the opposite direction to Lyon, as a left-arm spinner, offers a unique and valuable point of difference for Australia’s bowling attack.
During Australia’s last tour of India, Kuhnemann impressed with his best-ever Test figures of five for 16 in Indore, showcasing his potential in subcontinental conditions. His performance helped Australia secure a crucial victory and demonstrated his ability to thrive in challenging environments. Given this track record, Kuhnemann’s role in future series will likely be pivotal, as Australia looks to retain the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Had the ICC’s tests deemed his action to be illegal specifically if his elbow extension exceeded the 15-degree threshold it could have spelled the end of his bowling career, or at least a long and difficult road to remedy the situation. Such a development would have forced Kuhnemann to alter his bowling style significantly, potentially altering his effectiveness as a spinner. Fortunately, the clearance allows him to continue with the action that has brought him considerable success so far, ensuring his place in Australia’s spin department for the foreseeable future.
