Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann reported for suspect bowling action

Matthew Kuhnemann’s dream tour of Sri Lanka has turned into a nightmare, with the Australian spinner’s action raising the suspicions of match officials.

Australian cricket officials have been shocked by having the bowling action of their series-star in Sri Lanka Matthew Kuhnemann queried by match officials.

It’s understood the left-armer who was branded by fellow spinner Nathan Lyon as the bowler of the series has been reported in Sri Lanka and will now have to go and undertake mandatory testing within the next three weeks to determine the legality of his action.

The tests are likely to take place at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane and be analysed by a bio-mechanist who will report his findings back to the International Cricket Council.

WATCH: CODE Sports cricket reporter Ben Horne looks at the road ahead for Matthew Kuhnemann, and reveals the shock within Cricket Australia at the spinner’s reporting.

Australian officials were surprised by the report, especially since Kuhnemann had been playing first-class cricket for four years in a career which spans 28 first-class matches and five Tests without any previous controversy.

“The Australian team was notified of the match officials’ referral following the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will support Matt through the process of clearing this matter,” a CA spokesperson said.

“Matt has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017, including five Test matches and four One-Day Internationals. He has played 55 Big Bash League games since 2018.

“This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action been questioned.

“Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations. No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved.”

Australia's Matthew Kuhnemann bowls during the series against Sri Lanka. Picture: AFP

A bowler is permitted 15 degrees of flex with their bowling arm but anything more is deemed illegal.

Kuhnemann was the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka and his miraculous recovery from a dislocated and fractured thumb was a decisive factor in Australia ending a nearly 15-year drought on Sri Lankan soil to run away with a convincing 2-0 victory in Galle.

It’s understood Kuhnemann may still be able to play for Tasmania in Sheffield Shield cricket while the results of testing are pending, but he cannot participate in international cricket sanctioned by the ICC until he is cleared.

Originally published as Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann reported for suspect bowling action