Australia’s left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The report comes after Kuhnemann played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2-0 series sweep, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets across two matches.
ICC’s Protocol for Suspect Bowling Action
Following the match officials’ referral, Kuhnemann must now undergo mandatory testing within three weeks to determine whether his bowling action is compliant with International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations. A team of biomechanists will analyze his action, ensuring it falls within the permitted limit of 15 degrees of elbow flexion allowed by the ICC.
Under the current regulations, if a bowler’s action is found illegal, they are barred from bowling in international cricket until remedial measures are taken and subsequent tests clear their action. However, Kuhnemann might still be eligible to participate in Sheffield Shield matches during this period.
Cricket Australia’s Response
A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed that the national team was informed about the match officials’ referral after the conclusion of the second Test.
“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 spokesperson stated.
Cricket Australia emphasized that Kuhnemann has been a professional cricketer since 2017, playing a total of 124 professional matches, including:
- 5 Test matches
- 4 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 55 Big Bash League (BBL) games since 2018
“This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action has been questioned,” the statement continued.
Cricket Australia also assured that they will work closely with the ICC and independent experts to address the matter, but no further comment will be made until the issue is resolved.
Impact on Kuhnemann’s Career
Being reported for a suspect bowling action can have serious repercussions on a bowler’s career, as seen in past cases. If his action is deemed illegal, Kuhnemann will need to undergo remedial work before applying for a retest to return to international cricket.
However, the possibility of being cleared remains, as several bowlers have successfully had their actions assessed and returned to the game without major changes. Given Kuhnemann’s consistent presence in professional cricket for over eight years without prior scrutiny, his supporters remain optimistic about a favorable outcome.
The Road Ahead for Kuhnemann
Kuhnemann’s immediate priority will be to undergo the biomechanical assessment within the stipulated time. If cleared, he will resume playing without any restrictions. However, if his action is found to be non-compliant, he will have to work on modifications before seeking approval through retesting.With Cricket Australia’s backing and expert guidance, Kuhnemann will likely remain committed to overcoming this challenge and returning to international cricket stronger than ever. For now, the cricketing fraternity will closely watch how this saga unfolds and whether Kuhnemann can continue his impressive performances for Australia in the future.
