Ben Horne: How Matt Kuhnemann’s official ICC green light can set him free

The International Cricket Council’s investigation into Matt Kuhnemann should be seen as a blessing for the bowler, with the official ruling silencing the whispers forever, writes BEN HORNE.

A curse could prove a blessing for Matt Kuhnemann.

Many feared the stigma of having his bowling action called into question would stay with him forever, but the left-armer now has an emphatic biomechanical report to prove he has no case to answer.

This official green light from the International Cricket Council, following their failed move to report him, can actually set him free.

Of course Kuhnemann would have preferred not go to hell and back as he has over the past fortnight, but at least it stops dead the whispering campaign he has been forced to put up with in domestic cricket over the years.

A high profile Australian cricketer sledged Kuhnemann over his action in a Big Bash game as recently as this season, but now everything is out in the open, he can just laugh off barbs like that in the future, if they even continue.

Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

As chastening as this experience has been for the 28-year-old, it could prove the making of him.

It would be a very courageous umpire who now reports Kuhnemann knowing his action essentially hasn’t changed through his whole career, so what would change now?

If he easily passed this test, he’ll pass another.

It’s understood the majority of deliveries bowled by Kuhnemann for ICC testers in Brisbane measured at below 10 degrees, and only a handful were between 10 degrees and the 15 degree limit the laws of the game allow for the arm straightening.

These are categorical numbers which means Kuhnemann can walk back onto a cricket field with his chest puffed out from now on – the faith he had in his action has been justified.

Essentially, the kink in his action is an optical illusion just like Jasprit Bumrah of India.

The curse could be a blessing for Kuhnemann. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

There are no skeletons in the closet, no booby traps waiting for him.

Kuhnemann was outstanding – Australia’s best bowler according to Nathan Lyon – in the rout of Sri Lanka, and his best years should now be ahead of him.

He should only grow in confidence from this episode.

There could be three Test matches for him later this year in the West Indies depending on conditions, and the 2027 five-Test tour of India could be the crowning moment of his career if he can maintain the form he showed in Sri Lanka.

Australia’s most successful ever left-arm spinner is still Jack Saunders, who took 79 wickets 125 years ago.

But finally, the curse might be over and Kuhnemann with his 25 wickets at 22 from five Tests shapes as a worthy heir to the throne.

Originally published as Ben Horne: How Matt Kuhnemann’s official ICC green light can set him free