Australian cricket rocked by Test spinner’s bombshell report

Australian cricket Test spin-bowler Matt Kuhnemann has been reported by match officials in news that has blindsided Cricket Australia.

Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann has reportedly been cited for a suspect bowling action after his heroics during Australia’s 2-0 series sweep of Sri Lanka.

CODE Sports first reported the 28-year-old was reported by match officials and will need to fight to save his Test career.

The bombshell report from leading cricket journalist Ben Horne shows the left-arm spinner cannot be selected to play any international cricket that comes under the ICC umbrella until he is cleared.

The report indicates the left-arm spinner will now need to undergo mandatory testing within the next three weeks to determine the legality of his bowling action.

Watch India vs England T20I & ODI Series LIVE on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Australia's Matthew Kuhnemann celebrates another wicket. Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP.

According to the report, Australian cricket officials were surprised to learn the news given Kuhnemann has played first class cricket for four years, including three Tests during his debut series against India in 2023.

Kuhnemann was one of Australia’s best bowlers in the series sweep of Sri Lanka, finishing with 16 wickets at an average of 17.2 runs.

His Test re-call after almost two years outside the Aussie squad was supposed to be a fairy tale chapter in his career.

That fairy tale looked to be over before it began when he dislocated his thumb when fielding during a Brisbane Heat Big Bash game in January.

That injury prompted surgery to have two screws inserted into his non-bowling hand on January 17.

Matthew Kuhnemann strikes again in the second Test. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

Matthew Kuhnemann lets one rip in Sri Lanka. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

Just a few days later he was on a flight to Sri Lanka with the rest of the Aussie Test squad.

Kuhnemann was a risky pick by Australian selectors as the Tourists rolled the dice playing with three spinners.

However, playing with Mitchell Starc as the lone quick in the attack proved to be a master stroke with Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon feasting on wickets.

Kuhnemann demanded selection for the second Test when he returned figures of 5-63 and 4-86 in the first Test in Galle.

He was just as damaging in the second Test with figures of 3/63 and 4/63.

Suddenly his future is in the balance.

Kuhnemann in January spoke about his excitement in getting re-called, saying a move to Tasmania helped revive his career.

“I sacrificed a little bit moving down to Tasmania,” Kuhnemann said.

“It’s funny how cricket works out. It’s all part of the journey and I’m really happy. I’m forever grateful to Tasmania for giving me the opportunity.

“I’m really excited to be heading over to the subcontinent again. It’s a great place to bowl spin, and any time you get an opportunity to tour with the Australian team, it’s something that you cherish forever.”

Originally published as Australian cricket rocked by Test spinner’s bombshell report