Despite Matt Kuhnemann missing the Sheffield Shield cricket match between Tasmania and South Australia due to a thumb injury, he will still undergo testing on his bowling action as scheduled. Kuhnemann had previously been flagged by International Cricket Council (ICC) officials for a suspect bowling action and was originally slated to return to the field for Tasmania in Adelaide on Tuesday. This test is crucial for his future in the sport.
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02-25, 2025However, these plans were cancelled because Kuhnemann dislocated his thumb in the BBL league and failed a medical assessment. According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), Kuhnemann has not suffered a new injury, and the decision was made out of caution, as he previously played injured in Galle. This precautionary measure aims to prevent further complications.
Although Kuhnemann is absent from the Adelaide match, he is still required to complete the ICC test within the next two weeks, as the injured area is not his bowling hand. Out of respect for Kuhnemann's privacy, officials are keeping the details of the test confidential, but it is expected to take place within the next two weeks. Biomechanical testing could be completed at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, although the ICC prefers players to travel overseas for assessment.
Kuhnemann will complete the test under the close scrutiny of ICC experts, with markers attached to his arm and filmed by multiple cameras. He needs to bowl with a similar speed and ball rotation to when he was in Sri Lanka, where he took 16 wickets at an average of 17.18. The ICC will need several weeks to determine whether Kuhnemann's action is legal, or whether his arm straightens beyond the permitted 15 degrees. The thorough evaluation process ensures fairness and accuracy.
The 28-year-old is believed to be in good spirits, but questions remain about the timing of the report, eight years into his professional cricket career. "All we can do as a group is get around him and support him," said Tasmania captain Jordan Silk. "He's been outstanding for Australia in the last few weeks and a massive part of them winning that series. It's a shock to a lot of people, but all we can do as an organisation is support him and look forward to getting him back in our team."
Silk echoed the views of Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith, believing Kuhnemann will pass the test. ICC rules allow scrutinized bowlers to participate in domestic cricket but prohibit them from playing international matches. If Kuhnemann passes the test, he will be able to continue bowling, but if he fails, he will be suspended until he can prove he has changed his bowling action to comply with the guidelines. "He's still a very good bowler for us and we expect him to play a role later in the year," Silk said. "We're very confident that the process will go smoothly and we welcome him back into our dressing room and have him as a big part of our season."
Tasmania's victory over top-ranked South Australia will keep their hopes of contending for a Sheffield Shield final berth alive, with only one win currently separating second and sixth place. If Kuhnemann's action passes the test, he is highly likely to be selected for Australia's tour to the West Indies in June later this summer. His inclusion would significantly bolster the team's bowling attack.
