Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann is under scrutiny for a suspect bowling action after his performance against Sri Lanka in Australia’s 2-0 Test series win. The 28-year-old Queenslander claimed 16 wickets but now faces independent testing, likely at an ICC-accredited facility in Brisbane, to assess his action’s legality.
Former Australian international Steve O’Keefe has criticized the allegations, arguing that Matt Kuhnemann has been part of the cricketing circuit for a considerable time and that any forced changes to his natural bowling style could be harmful.
“He’s played over 100 professional games of cricket in front of match referees in the Big Bash and first-class cricket. He would have trained in front of coaches who would have seen his development over the years,” O’Keefe said to Fox Sports.
“I think it might be hyperextension, and I don’t think he’ll have any issues. In this situation, it can be quite detrimental to the player and the welfare of Matt after a great series in Sri Lanka, he now has to go through this process which is horrible,” he added.
“It’s really cold, you’re on your own, they don’t talk to you, they tape you up and then they test you with these degrees of action. In my opinion, the system has failed and let him down, but I do believe there will be nothing to see here for Matt Kuhnemann … I think he’ll be okay,” O’Keefe stated.
Johan Botha highlights lasting impact of suspect bowling action allegations
Queensland coach and former South African international Johan Botha, who faced similar allegations over his bowling action during his playing career, emphasized the lasting impact such accusations can have on a player’s record.
“It’s a long process, and regardless of the outcome, it stays with you. People think it’s a one-off, but that’s not the case,” Botha told SEN Sports.
“For now he will have to bowl at a very similar speed and revolutions as he did in the Tests. Nothing gets changed now. He needs to try and prove himself not guilty and from there on if it is a ball or so over 15 degrees he will obviously have some work to do, then a long process starts,” he continued.
Former Australian spinner Xavier Doherty raised concerns about the timing of the allegations, as reports indicate that several Sri Lankan batters questioned Kuhnemann’s action, leading match officials to flag him after the second Test.
“He’s been to India which is a massive tour with huge media interest. He’s been cleared there. He’s come to Sri Lanka, he’s taken a lot of wickets … which generally goes with the territory of people criticising or calling out your action,” Doherty said while speaking to ABC Sports.
“The timing is the big question mark for me. What have these guys [the match officials] seen now that we have to have a look at?,” the former spinner concluded.
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