Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann has spoken out after being cleared of a suspect bowling action by the ICC. The governing body confirmed that the 28-year-old’s action is legal following an independent assessment, allowing him to continue bowling in international cricket.
Kuhnemann was reported for a suspected illegal action during Australia’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on February 9. Match officials raised concerns, prompting an ICC investigation that led to testing at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane on February 15. The assessment determined that Kuhnemann’s elbow extension remained within the permitted 15-degree limit outlined in the ICC’s Illegal Bowling Regulations.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that the bowling action of Australia spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been found to be legal, and the player can continue bowling in international cricket,” the ICC stated.
Despite the scrutiny, Kuhnemann maintained confidence in his action throughout the process. Having opted not to comment publicly during the investigation, he broke his silence on Thursday, expressing gratitude for the support he received.
“I am very grateful for all the support I have received from my family, friends and teammates, and to Cricket Australia who stood by me throughout the process,” Kuhnemann said.
“It was a disappointing way to finish what was such a successful Test series for Australia. I’ve never doubted my bowling action throughout my career and I’m always looking to improve the art of spin bowling in different conditions.
“I thought the process itself was quite fair and I appreciated the professional manner in which testing was explained to me and then conducted.
“I’m looking forward to finishing the season with Tasmania once my thumb has fully healed and then getting into my off-field preparations.”
Kuhnemann had played a key role in Australia’s 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, taking 16 wickets at an average of 17.18, despite recently recovering from a dislocated and fractured thumb sustained while playing for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.
Cricket Australia also welcomed the ICC’s decision, reiterating their support for Kuhnemann.
“The ICC has found the bowling action of Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann to be legal and he is free to continue playing international cricket,” Cricket Australia stated.
Ben Oliver, CA Executive General Manager of National Teams, praised Kuhnemann’s conduct during the challenging period.
“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.”
Despite being cleared, former Test captain Tim Paine believes Kuhnemann’s reputation has suffered. “In cricket, being accused of throwing is not a great mark to have against your name. You’re being accused in a way, of cheating,” Paine said on SEN radio.
“I imagine in such a public forum, that would be very hard for him to deal with that. I feel like it’s a bit of a token ‘we’ll look like we’re policing this, even though we have never before,’ and Kuhnemann has been the unlucky one.”
Johan Botha, Kuhnemann’s coach at the Brisbane Heat, who also faced similar scrutiny during his playing career, echoed these concerns.
“Unfortunately either way, if you get cleared or not, it will always be there,” Botha told SEN. “Guys think it’s a one-off and you get rid of it. That is not how it is.
“It never goes away because there is always someone in the crowd, someone in the opposition, or a match referee who wants to have a say or wants to feel a part of it. Unfortunately, this will be part of it now. It is never the guy who gets 0 for 100. It is the guys who get wickets and affect games. They are the ones under scrutiny. Guys want to have a look at it and try and find fault.”
Initially, Kuhnemann was temporarily banned from bowling at the international level until the investigation was concluded. However, with the ICC’s clearance, he can now refocus on his playing career.
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Photo Credit: LinkedIn Profile Photo of Matthew Kuhnemann
