Australia's Matthew Kuhnemann celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya during day three of the second Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann can continue bowling in international cricket after his action was declared legal by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Kuhnemann had been reported by match officials for a suspected illegal bowling action during Australia’s 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka this month where he ended up taking 16 wickets. Following this, he underwent an assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.
The all-clear from ICC means that Kuhnemann can resume playing for Australia in the Test tour of the Caribbean scheduled later this year.
A report in Reuters said that the ICC stated on Wednesday the amount of elbow extension for all of Kuhnemann’s deliveries was found to be within the level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations. A bowler is allowed 15 degrees of extension in their elbow before a delivery is considered illegal.
Australia bowler Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspect action. (AP)
Cricket Australia (CA) said Kuhnemann is now free to continue playing international cricket. Ben Oliver, CA executive general manager national teams, said: “We are pleased for Matt that this matter is now resolved. It has been a challenging period for Matt however he has carried himself exceptionally well. He has had the full support of Australian cricket and he can now move forward to the next phase of his international career with great confidence.”
Kuhnemann’s case had generated debate in Australia because of the 28-year-old’s previously spotless record in more than 100 professional matches dating back to 2017, including five Tests and four one-day internationals. The spinner made his Test debut for Australia in 2023, and has claimed 25 wickets to his name so far from five matches.
(With inputs from Reuters and PTI)
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