Matthew Kuhnemann to ‘cherish’ the chance to represent Australia again

Matthew Kuhnemann is keen to get to Sri Lanka with the Australian team, but before he leaves, the Brisbane Heat star has some BBL business to take care of.

Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann says the “sacrifice” of moving to Tasmania has been worth it following his selection in Australia’s squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Kuhnemann made the switch to Tasmania from Queensland last year for the chance to play more red-ball cricket in the Sheffield Shield competition,

And it has paid off, with Kuhnemann a strong chance to add to the three Tests he played in India two years ago after being named in a 16-man national squad that will soon leave for Sri Lanka ahead of the first of two Tests (January 29-February 2, February 6-10) in Galle.

“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.”

Matthew Kuhnemann celebrates taking the wicket of India’s Virat Kohli in March, 2023. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Kuhnemann, 28, has taken nine Test wickets, with the highlight being his 5-16 in the first innings of Australia’s nine-wicket win over India in Indore in March 2023.

“There are a lot of technical things I can take from my first trip to India but more so off the field, dealing with the pressure of the crowd, and your expectations,” he said.

“The main was just doing my role and not overdoing it. You get some conditions that suit you, so it’s just being able to be as accurate as possible.”

Before Kuhnemann leaves for Sri Lanka, he has white-ball matters to take care of in the BBL with Brisbane Heat, who meet the Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

“One week you’ll be playing a four-day game or a five-day game, and the next week, you’re playing a T20 or a one-day game – it’s something you’ve just got to work out,” he said.

“I’m really happy with how the ball’s coming out and my game as a whole in all three formats.”

The Heat is chasing back-to-backs wins after beating the Sydney Thunder by five wickets last Monday at the Gabba.
“They (the Strikers) welcome back (Test wicketkeeper) Alex Carey to their team, so that’s another challenge for us,” Kuhnemann said.

“It’s a massive game for us. It’s very tight at the moment, the table. We’re looking forward to it.”