Steven O’Keefe says ‘system has failed’ reported spinner Matt Kuhnemann

A former Test bowler has put the onus on Cricket Australia after Matt Kuhnemann was cited for a suspect action in Sri Lanka.

Former Australia Test player Steven O’Keefe says “the system has failed” off-spinner Matt Kuhnemann after he was cited for a suspect bowling action in Sri Lanka.

Kuhnemann was reported by the ICC after he took a series-high 16 wickets at an average of 17 across the two Tests at Galle International Stadium.

O’Keefe, also a left-arm off-spinner, thinks Kuhnemann will be cleared but says Cricket Australia should have picked up his action earlier.

Kuhnemann was reported after the Test series. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)

“I’m saying if we don’t do this at an early age or identify players in the system with a potentially questionable action (it could get Australia in trouble),” O’Keefe told SEN.

“We don’t want it happening at the top end, imagine if we had a tour of India coming up and he’s the dominant spinner – he’d be out of it.

“In my opinion, the system has failed and let him down. But I do believe there will be nothing to see here for Matt Kuhnemann. I think he’ll be OK.”

O’Keefe says the Aussie spinner will be fine. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)

Kuhnemann is permitted to play domestic cricket for Tasmania but is not allowed to play any international matches until he is cleared.

Prior to the report, Kuhnemann loomed as the key to unlocking Australia’s difficulty in India.

O’Keefe hopes the testing process is not as gruelling for Kuhnemann as it has been for others.

“In this situation, it can be quite detrimental to the player and the welfare of Matt after a great series in Sri Lanka, he now has to go through this process which is horrible,” he said.

“It’s really cold, you’re on your own, they don’t talk to you, they tape you up and then they test you with these degrees of action.”

Originally published as Steven O’Keefe says ‘system has failed’ reported spinner Matt Kuhnemann