Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann's bowling action under ICC scrutiny
What's the story
Australian left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Despite his brilliant performance of taking 16 wickets in two matches and helping Australia clinch the series 2-0, Kuhnemann now faces mandatory testing within three weeks.
As per the ICC rules, a bowler is permitted a maximum of 15 degrees of flex in their bowling arm.
Meanwhile, a biomechanist will examine to ascertain the legality of his action.
Career impact
Kuhnemann's international career on hold amid ICC investigation
Until the ICC clears Kuhnemann's bowling action, his international cricket career remains suspended. However, he could still be eligible to play in Sheffield Shield matches.
The Australian team was informed of the match officials' referral after the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka.
"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," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said according to Cricbuzz.
Career overview
Kuhnemann's bowling action questioned for the first time
This is the first instance of Kuhnemann's bowling action being questioned in his eight-year professional career.
Since his debut in 2017, he has featured in 124 professional matches, (five Tests and four ODIs). He has also appeared in 55 Big Bash League matches since 2018.
"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," stated Cricket Australia.
First Test
Kuhnemann records nine wickets in first Test
Left-arm spinner Kuhnemann played a pivotal role in Australia's historic victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle.
The Queenslander took 5/63 and 4/86, leading to Sri Lanka's collapse at 165/10 and 247/10.
On the fourth day of the Test, Kuhnemann was instrumental in Australia's victory.
This resulted in a record-breaking defeat for the hosts by an innings and 242 runs, their worst ever in Test cricket history.
Second Test
Kuhnemann shines with seven wickets in second Test
Australia defeated Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the second Test in Galle.
The match was dominated by brilliant performances from Australian spinners Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, who picked seven wickets each.
Kuhnemann recorded a three-fer in the first innings, with wickets of Chandimal and tail-enders Nishan Peiris and Lahiru Kumara.
Meanwhile, in the second innings, Kuhnemann took the key wickets of Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Dhananjaya de Silva before sending back tail-ender Prabath Jayasuriya.
Stats
Kuhnemann's impressive Test and FC numbers
Kuhnemann boasts an incredible record of 16 wickets in four Tests (AVG: 24.93) and a strike rate of 40.7, Kuhnemann is being tipped as Lyon's successor after the latter's retirement post the 2027 Ashes tour.
Additionally, he owns 25 scalps across five Tests (nine innings), at an average of 22.20.
His best bowling innings read 5/16, and his best match figures are worth 9/149, (two five-wicket hauls).
In 50 FC innings, he has bagged 90 wickets (AVG: 31. 65).