Who is Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann? Here are his stats
Australia's left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann made his Test debut in the ongoing second game against India. Notably, Kuhnemann wasn't a part of Australia's initial squad and was added as a replacement for leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson. His inclusion in the XI means Australia are fielding three spinners in the Delhi Test with off-spinners Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy partnering with Kuhnemann. Here are his stats.
Why does this story matter?
Australia lost the opening Test by innings and 132 runs. Swepson, who has withdrawn from the series for the birth of his first child, was benched for the opener. Kuhnemann will look to make a mark as the Delhi track offers substantial assistance to spinners. He could be effective against India's batting order, which is studded with right-handers.
Who is Matthew Kuhnemann?
Kuhnemann was born on September 20 in 1996. He rose to prominence by taking 35 wickets in Queensland's Premier Cricket competition in 2015-16. The 26-year-old, who represents Queensland in domestic cricket, made his First-Class debut in February 2021. Notably, Kuhnemann made his international debut last year and has played four ODIs so far.
A look at his FC numbers
Kuhnemann is pretty new to First-Class cricket, having scalped 35 wickets in 13 matches at 34.80. The tally includes three fifers and a 10-wicket haul in a match. Kuhnemann often struggles to feature in Queensland's XI when Swepson is available. However, he showcased promise in his debut ODI series versus Sri Lanka last year, where he scalped six wickets in four games at 31.83.
Spinners can shine in Delhi
As mentioned, the second Test is being played at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, a venue known to favor spinners. India played three spinners in the opener and Australia seems to have taken inspiration from the same. Notably, debutant off-spinner Murphy starred in the series opener in Nagpur and claimed a seven-fer (7/124). Australia's other specialist spinner, Lyon took a solitary wicket.
Australia fielding just one pacer
It must be noted that the Aussies are fielding just one specialist pacer in the contest in the form of team skipper Pat Cummins. While Scott Boland was dropped after the Nagpur Test, veteran pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were sidelined due to injuries. As injured Cameron Green also continues to warm the benches, the Aussies don't have any fast-bowling all-rounder either.
Stakes are high in the series
Notably, the ongoing series is the last assignment for both teams in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Though the Aussies are almost through, they require at least a draw to officially seal a place in the final. A win in Delhi next will enhance India's chances. Notably, Australia last won a Test series against India in 2014-15.
