Matthew Kuhnemann Awaits Decision on Bowling Action
Matthew Kuhnemann is set to learn his fate by the end of next week, following an intensive assessment of his bowling action at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. The 28-year-old spinner was reported during Australia’s 2-0 Test series win in Sri Lanka, a development that has left the cricket community and Kuhnemann himself somewhat taken aback. Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Wednesday that Kuhnemann has completed the assessment, emphasizing that neither they nor the player will be making any public comments until the International Cricket Council (ICC) makes its determination.
The Testing Process
The assessment in Brisbane was a rigorous affair, lasting over an hour. Kuhnemann was asked to bowl at a speed and with revolutions similar to what he had achieved in Galle, where he was reported. The session was closely monitored by ICC experts, who used advanced technology to ensure an accurate analysis. Kuhnemann wore markers on his body, and he was surrounded by several high-speed cameras and a 3D motion analysis system. This comprehensive testing aims to determine whether his elbow extends beyond the 15-degree limit during his delivery, a critical threshold in the rules governing suspect bowling actions.
Potential Outcomes
The results of the biomechanical tests will be evaluated over the next week, and the ICC will then decide on Kuhnemann’s bowling action. If he is found to extend his elbow by more than 15 degrees on his stock ball, he faces a ban from bowling until he can demonstrate that he has corrected the issue. However, the ICC also has the power to determine if the problem is limited to specific types of deliveries. In such a scenario, Kuhnemann could continue bowling in matches without those variations until he is fully cleared. This flexibility in the ICC’s decision-making process offers a ray of hope for the spinner, who has been a standout performer in recent Tests.
A Surprising Report
For a player with an eight-year professional career, being reported for a suspect bowling action comes as a considerable shock. Kuhnemann played through the pain to become the leading wicket-taker in the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, taking 16 wickets at an impressive average of 17.18 in the two Tests against Sri Lanka. It was only after the second Test that he was informed of the report, a development that caught both him and his teammates off guard. Stand-in captain Steven Smith expressed his surprise and confidence in Kuhnemann’s ability to clear the issue. "It’s come as a bit of a surprise to me," Smith said. "He has been playing for eight years in professional cricket and nothing has been said in that amount of time. We’re confident he will pass."
Support from Teammates
Australia’s players have rallied around Kuhnemann, offering their support as he goes through the testing process. Smith, who captained the team during the series against Sri Lanka, emphasized the team’s solidarity. "I am thinking of him, at present, he has to go through the process. We wish him all the best." The sense of camaraderie is a testament to the strong team spirit within the Australian cricket squad, a factor that could be crucial in helping Kuhnemann stay positive and focused during this challenging time.
Future Prospects
As Kuhnemann awaits the ICC’s decision, his focus remains on continuing his promising career. If cleared, he will be able to resume bowling for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield and be available for Australia’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June. The testing process, while stringent, is a necessary safeguard to ensure the integrity of the game. High performance staff in Australia have frequently used these facilities to refine and improve the bowling actions of fast bowlers, highlighting the importance of such assessments in modern cricket. Kuhnemann’s determination and the backing of his teammates underscore his resilience and dedication to the sport, setting the stage for a potential return to the international arena.
