Australia left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared by the ICC of a suspected illegal bowling action, and is now free to continue bowling in international cricket.
Kuhnemann was reported for having a suspect action following Australia's Test series victory in Sri Lanka last month. He took 16 wickets in the series which Australia won 2-0. However, it was alleged that 28-year-old had a bend in his bowling arm of beyond 15 degrees, which would exceed the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations.
Following the report, Kuhnemann underwent an independent bowling assessment last week at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. It was determined by ICC experts during the assessment that his elbow extension for all deliveries was within the permitted level of tolerance.
Cricket Australia executive general manager said in a statement: "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."
While Kuhnemann was able to continue playing domestic cricket while under investigation, a dislocated thumb has kept him out of action for Tasmania. He picked up the injury in the BBL and played through the it in Sri Lanka. It's not yet been confirmed whether he will be fit to play in Tasmania's next Sheffield Shield game against Queensland next week.
🇱🇰: 165-10 (first innings)
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 1, 2025
Matthew Kuhnemann shines with his second Test five-for, dismantling Sri Lanka for a low total in Galle.#SLvsAUS #Cricket #MathhewKuhnemann pic.twitter.com/DpPx3T94fa
Kuhnemann first came to international attention in 2022, when he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. He was called up for Australia during their 2023 Test series in India and made his debut in the second Test of the series in Delhi, picking up Virat Kohli as his first Test wicket. He then took a five-for in his next match in Indore, finishing the series with nine wickets from three games.
Before the series in Sri Lanka, he hadn't played a further Test for Australia since the India series, with Nathan Lyon continuing to block the main spin place in the side, and Todd Murphy deputising when Lyon was injured during the 2023 Ashes.
Kuhnemann has so far taken 25 wickets across five Test matches at an average of 22.20.
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