Photo Credit: Brisbane Heat
The Brisbane Heat have held off their KFC Big Bash League rivals to lock-in rising Australian left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann to a long-term deal.
Kuhnemann has agreed to a new three-year contract, tying him to the Heat until 2026 in the wake of a bumper 12-month career surge for the Gold Coast product.
The 26-year-old made his Test and One Day International debuts in the past year.
He played in three of the four Tests in the Indian series, picking up nine wickets at an average of 31.11, and performed a vital role in Australia’s nine-wicket win in the third Test in Indore, with his 5-16 helping roll the home side for just 109 on the first day.
Currently recovering from a back injury that cut short an English county playing stint, Kuhnemann was hot property during the BBL signing embargo period as rival clubs targeted him as a key recruit.
Kuhnemann played all 18 matches for the Heat last season, taking 16 wickets in BBL|12 at an economy rate of 7.57 and proving a vital member of the Brisbane line-up that finished as runners-up.
Brisbane Heat coach Wade Seccombe said the club had been thrilled for Kuhnemann as he realised his playing dreams.
“It’s always very rewarding to see a player achieve their goals and everyone at the Heat and Queensland Cricket has been delighted to see him play for his country,’’ he said.
““Matthew was a key retention priority following our efforts last summer and his signing is a massive boost for the club.””— Wade Seccombe , Brisbane Heat Head Coach
“We fully expect him to continue to push for higher honours in the future and look forward to working with him to help him reach those heights again.”
Kuhnemann joins first-season left-arm pace revelation Spencer Johnson in re-signing with the Heat during the off-season.
