Australian left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared of any illegal bowling action by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
He was reported for a suspected illegal action during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this month. Following this, an independent assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane confirmed that his elbow extension remained within the permitted 15-degree limit.
Kuhnemann played a crucial role in Australia’s 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, taking 16 wickets at an impressive average of 17.18.
Matthew Kuhnemann Cleared to Bowl in International Cricket
Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been officially cleared to bowl in international cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, February 26. His bowling action was questioned during the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this month when match officials suspected it might be illegal.
To assess his action, Kuhnemann underwent an independent evaluation at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. The tests confirmed that his elbow extension while delivering the ball was within the ICC’s allowed limit of 15 degrees. This means his action is legal, and he can continue bowling without any restrictions.
Despite the concerns over his bowling style, Kuhnemann played a crucial role in Australia’s 2-0 Test series victory against Sri Lanka. He was the highest wicket-taker in the series, claiming 16 wickets across four innings at an impressive average of 17.18. His performance significantly contributed to Australia’s dominant win.
Following an independent assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane on February 15, his bowling action was found to be within the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow extension limit. With this clearance, the left-arm spinner is now eligible to continue bowling in international cricket.
Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Ben Oliver, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and reaffirmed the board’s support for Kuhnemann.
Ben Oliver expressed his satisfaction that Matt’s situation has been resolved. He acknowledged that it was a challenging time for Matt but praised his composure throughout. Oliver also emphasized that Australian cricket fully supported Matt, allowing him to move forward in his international career with confidence.
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Matthew Kuhnemann’s International Career So Far
Matthew Kuhnemann made his international debut in June 2022, playing an ODI against Sri Lanka, where he took 2/48 in ten overs. He later earned his Test cap against India in Delhi in February 2023 and impressed with a five-wicket haul in just his second match in Indore.
So far, the 28-year-old spinner has played five Test matches, claiming 25 wickets at an average of 22.20, including two five-wicket hauls. In ODIs, he has picked up six wickets from four matches at an average of 31.83.
Kuhnemann is set to return to action in Tasmania’s upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, starting on March 6.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why was Matthew Kuhnemann’s bowling action reported?
Ans. Matthew Kuhnemann’s action was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this month.
Q.2. How was Matthew Kuhnemann’s bowling action tested?
Ans. He underwent an independent assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, which confirmed his elbow extension was within the ICC’s allowed 15-degree limit.
Q.3. Is Matthew Kuhnemann allowed to bowl in international cricket now?
Ans. Yes, the ICC has cleared his action, allowing him to continue bowling in international matches without any restrictions.
Q.4. How did Matthew Kuhnemann perform in the Test series against Sri Lanka?
Ans. He played a key role in Australia’s 2-0 series win, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets at an average of 17.18.
Q.5. What are Matthew Kuhnemann’s career stats in Tests and ODIs?
Ans. In five Test matches, he has taken 25 wickets at an average of 22.20, while in ODIs, he has picked up six wickets from four matches at an average of 31.83.
