Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann reported for suspect bowling action

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

Australia’s chances of climbing the Mt Everest of beating India in India could be shattered if the query raised over Matthew Kuhnemann’s bowling action upsets his career.

The ramifications of the star left-arm spinner being reported in Sri Lanka, as revealed exclusively by this masthead, are potentially significant for the future of the Australian team given the critical role Kuhnemann plays in sub-continental conditions.

Kuhnemann was branded by spin leader Nathan Lyon as the bowler of the series in Australia’s 2-0 decimation of Sri Lanka, but the 28-year-old’s career is now at a crossroads as he braces to be sent for mandatory testing within the next three weeks to determine the legality of his action.

The ICC last night confirmed Kuhnemann was reported over umpire’s concerns in the second of the two Tests in Sri Lanka.

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.

“Australia’s left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported with a suspect bowling action during the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka in Galle,” an ICC statement said.

“The match officials’ report cited concerns about the legality of the 28-year-old’s bowling action.

“Kuhnemann will undergo an Independent Assessment of his bowling action at an ICC Accredited Testing facility to determine the legality of his bowling 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.

Australian officials were surprised Kuhnemann was reported, especially since the Queenslander now playing for Tasmania has been playing first-class cricket for four years in a career which spans 28 first-class matches and five Tests without any previous controversy.

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

“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-dayInternationals. 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.”

Matthew Kuhnemann’s action has been reported. Picture: AFP

At this stage, Kuhnemann has only been reported and this does not necessarily mean his action will be deemed illegal under testing.

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

Kuhnemann is a tough and resilient character – as evidenced by his miraculous recovery from a dislocated thumb to play in Sri Lanka – and is said to be holding up well in the circumstances and is focused on working through the setback to clear his name.

Former Test star and Channel 7 commentator Brad Hodge has backed Kuhnemann and his action.

“Well it’s pretty disappointing, for Matt Kuhnemann isn’t it? He’s the leading wicket-taker for Australia,” Hodge said on Channel 7s coverage in Sri Lanka.

“… There’s someone that’s gone upstairs – the match referees – who have said we need to have a look at this action. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with his action.

“Just on the way they conduct it, there’s a 15 degree leniency in the bend, they’ll just have to go through that and see whether it’s breaking that law. I don’t think there’s too much to worry about for Matt Kuhnemann as we speak.”

Australia's Matthew Kuhnemann dominated in Sri Lanka, taking 16 wickets. Picture: AFP

Kuhnemann (16) was the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka and his recovery from a dislocated and fractured thumb that was meant to rule him out of the series 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.

The fact Australia did not have a left-arm spinner ready to replace Kuhnemann had he been ruled out of the Sri Lankan tour with injury other than part-timer Cooper Connolly illustrates the fact he shapes as an irreplaceable figure when Australia tries to defend the Border Gavaskar Trophy in India in two years’ time.

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.

Sydney Thunder spinner Chris Green was the last Australian spinner reported for a suspect bowling action back in 2020 and his action was ultimately deemed illegal and he was banned for 90 days to go and fix it.

Thunder captain Chris Green’s bowling action was reported in 2020. Picture: Getty Images

Green has not been reported since and his experience shows that even if Kuhnemann’s action is deemed illegal, there is a way back.

Kuhnemann performed strongly on debut in India in 2023 and after starring in Sri Lanka, he is now well-established as Australia’s first-choice left-arm spinner whenever they tour overseas.

Australia has an inexplicable record with left-arm spinners, with Jack Saunders the highest wicket-taker in the discipline with just 79 wickets.

Kuhnemann, with 25 wickets after five Tests, has the opportunity to become Australia’s greatest ever left-arm spinner if he can overcome this hurdle.

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