Australian left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who recently stole the spotlight with his impressive performance in the Test series against Sri Lanka, has found himself at the center of controversy.
Kuhnemann, born on September 20, 1996, in Brisbane, has been reported for a suspect bowling action, which could potentially impact his international cricket career.
Background and Career Highlights
Kuhnemann’s journey in cricket began when he moved to the Gold Coast as a child. He started playing cricket at the age of 10 and made his first-grade debut for the Gold Coast Dolphins at just 17. His breakthrough came in 2014 when he helped The Southport School win the First XI GPS Premiership.
He was later awarded a rookie contract with Queensland for the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons. Kuhnemann made his List A debut for the Cricket Australia XI in the 2017–18 JLT One-Day Cup, where he took his first List A wicket by dismissing Kurtis Patterson.
Kuhnemann’s rise continued with his Twenty20 debut for the Brisbane Heat in the 2018–19 Big Bash League and his first-class debut for Queensland in the 2020–21 Sheffield Shield.
His international breakthrough came in June 2022 when he was called up for Australia’s ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he made an instant impact by taking two wickets on his ODI debut in Pallekele.
One of Matthew Kuhnemann’s standout performances came during Australia’s 2023 Test series against India. Initially not included in the squad, he was called up after Mitchell Swepson’s departure.
Kuhnemann capitalized on this chance, achieving a remarkable five-wicket haul in Indore with impressive figures of 5/16 in the first innings. This pivotal contribution significantly aided Australia in securing a vital victory
Dominance in Sri Lanka
In 2025, Kuhnemann was included in Australia’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series despite concerns over his fitness following thumb surgery. He proved his worth once again, delivering a stunning performance in the first Test at Galle with his second Test five-wicket haul, taking 5/63 in the second innings. He followed it up with four more wickets in the third innings, leading Australia to a comprehensive win.
Bowling Action Controversy
Kuhnemann’s action came under scrutiny after his standout performance in Sri Lanka. According to ICC regulations, bowlers are permitted to have an elbow flex of up to 15 degrees during their delivery. After the second Test, concerns about Kuhnemann’s bowling action led to a formal report, which initiated the required assessment process.
Despite this, Kuhnemann remains eligible to participate in domestic cricket competitions while his action undergoes review. He will undergo independent testing at an ICC-accredited center to determine whether his action exceeds the permissible 15-degree flex.
Testing and Future Prospects
Kuhnemann underwent intense and technology-driven bowling tests at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. The results of these tests will be crucial in determining whether he can continue bowling without modifications.
If his action is deemed illegal, he will be prohibited from bowling until he remodifies it and passes further assessments. However, he remains eligible to play domestic cricket during this period.
Assuming Kuhnemann passes the test, he will be in contention for Australia’s tour of West Indies in 2025. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Kuhnemann has received support from several Australian cricket personalities, including stand-in captain Steven Smith, former Test captain Tim Paine, and Tasmania captain Jordan Silk, who believe he will pass the test1.
Virat Kohli Controversy Connection
The controversy surrounding Kuhnemann’s bowling action has also drawn comparisons with past incidents involving other players. Australian cricket writer Ben Horne questioned the ICC’s consistency in enforcing disciplinary actions, referencing Virat Kohli’s past incident involving a shoulder barge with Sam Konstas. Horne noted that Kohli received a relatively lenient sanction compared to the scrutiny Kuhnemann faces for his bowling action.
Matthew Kuhnemann’s career is at a critical juncture as he navigates the challenges of a suspect bowling action while maintaining his eligibility for domestic cricket. The outcome of his testing will significantly impact his future in international cricket.
