Russell Arnold backs Matt Kuhnemann amid allegations of suspect bowling action

Former Test captain Tim Paine has come out in support of Matt Kuhnemann, comparing the “flexion” in his action to that of Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah.

One of the leading voices in Sri Lankan cricket has called for Matthew Kuhnemann to be given a fair go as it emerged Australia’s opponents had privately complained about his action.

Former Sri Lankan Test star turned commentator Russel Arnold admits he did notice something “different” about Kuhnemann’s bowling action during the recent Test series but has urged the cricketing public to not prejudge the legality of the left-armer’s style until testing is complete.

It comes as respected News Corp and CricBuzz journalist Bharat Sundaresan reported that multiple Sri Lankan players had raised concerns about Kuhnemann’s action during the first Test and are bemused that ICC match officials waited until the end of the series to raise their official query.

BEN HORNE: KUHNEMANN BETRAYED BY AUSSIE SYSTEM

Kuhnemann claimed nine wickets in the first Test and seven in the second to finish the leading wicket-taker in Australia’s convincing 2-0 triumph.

However, Arnold has spoken out in defence of Kuhnemann and said it should be made clear that Kuhnemann’s wickets did not decide the series.

“Sri Lanka was beaten by Australia in every aspect of the game. Everything you expect from teams – batting, bowling, fielding, to planning, to execution, to intent, to pride – you can name whatever,” he said.

Matt Kuhnemann appeals for a wicket against Sri Lanka. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“We were beaten on all aspects and definitely not Kuhnemann. We were beaten by Australia.”

In regards to Kuhnemann’s action, Arnold can understand why ICC match officials want to take a closer look, but as a former teammate of Muthiah Muralidaran, he says history has told us not to make assumptions until testing is complete.

“There were definitely discussions that something different is happening here. When you’re watching, you sensed there was something different but you just can’t tell exactly what,” Arnold said of the chatter around during the recent series.

“But we don’t know. We still don’t know. It’s a query. It stays there because in the past, experience has told us bowlers have been cleared in various situations.

“So until the testing is done, you’ve got to hold back on feelings or judgments because it can be very unfair depending on what can come out of the testing.

“We just don’t know exactly what the dynamics are to the naked eye. It’s not always as we see. There can be optical illusions.”

Russell Arnold batting against the Australians in an ODI game. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Meanwhile, former Test captain Tim Paine and fellow Australian left-arm Test spinner Steve O’Keefe have come out in support of Kuhnemann and declared he shouldn’t have anything to worry about in testing.

“No, I don’t think he throws it,” Paine said on SEN.

“I think there’s a bit of flexion, not dissimilar to a Jasprit Bumrah.”
Paine said he felt for Kuhnemann and his state of mind.

“I think he’d be flat as a tack I’d imagine. In cricket, being accused of throwing is not a great mark to have against your name. You’re being accused in a way, of cheating,” Paine said on his Tasmanian breakfast show.

“I imagine in such a public forum, that would be very hard for him to deal with that. Very hard. What I do know about him he’ll go about his work, get himself cleared and get straight back into it.

“But it’s got to have some effect on a young man who has just started playing international cricket and just had a great series.

“He’s probably walked off that day on top of the world, and by the time he’s back in the hotel room he’s at absolute rock bottom because he’s fighting, if you like, to save his career.

“I just don’t get it. Go back through the history of cricket and we’ve had guys who have played hundreds of Test matches combined who have (much worse actions) than Matthew Kuhnemann.”

Kuhnemann in the field in Galle. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Arnold said he didn’t have an issue with match officials, led by match referee Jeff Crowe, waiting until after the second Test to report Kuhnemann, comfortable that it takes time to work through such a big decision.

However, Sri Lankan players are reportedly bemused that Kuhnemann was able to continue on unchecked after their eyebrows were raised during the first Test.

According to respected journalist, Sundaresan, some Sri Lankan players went to their spin bowling coach Piyal Wijetunge to have Kuhnemann’s action analysed.

Wijetunge reportedly found nothing wrong, but the Sri Lankan players remained unconvinced and continued to “raise eyebrows” about Kuhnemann through the series.

However, there is no suggestion Sri Lankan players ever took their concerns to ICC match officials.

One source told Sundaresan: “They (batsmen) were finding it difficult to leave the crease against him, because they felt like he could adjust and make changes very late, which they found unusual.

“It’s not like they were questioning his action after every delivery but there were some balls which they were concerned with.”

That source went on to say: “What we don’t understand is why the match officials, who were the same for both Tests, waited until the series was over before reporting his action.”

Kuhnemann is set to return to the field for Tasmania in a Sheffield Shield match next week and is expected to undergo ICC testing in Brisbane within the next three weeks.

Originally published as Russell Arnold backs Matt Kuhnemann amid allegations of suspect bowling action