Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann says Tasmania has its Sheffild Shield “blueprint” set ahead of red-ball open against Bushrangers

Australian Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann poised for his Tigers debut in Sheffield Shield opener against Victoria

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Matthew Kuhnemann of Tasmania bowls during the ODC match between Tasmania and Queensland at CitiPower Centre, on September 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Australian Test spin bowler Matt Kuhnemann says Tasmania has been perfecting its red ball “blueprint” for the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield season and the former Queenslander hopes be part of the Tigers’ opening game of the four-day season against Victoria on the road starting on Tuesday.

The talented left-arm orthodox spinner, and fellow-Queenslander, right-arm fast bowler Will Prestwidge, joined Tasmania this season in a boost to its bowling stocks.

Kuhnemann, 28, who has Test best figures of 5-16 against India in 2023, aims to weave his magic for the Tigers, starting with the Vics.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Matthew Kuhnemann of Tasmania bowls during the ODC match between Victoria and Tasmania at CitiPower Centre, on September 23, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“They haven’t made an official call on the team yet but I’m hopeful _ that’s the pinnacle for me, red-ball cricket,” he said.

“That’s what we have been working on as a squad for the whole preseason, nailing those little things and getting our blueprint right.

“That’s the one we really want to win, the Sheffield Shield.”

Kuhnemann believes Tasmania is set for a strong season, despite an early one-day hiccup against the Bushrangers.

“The boys have trained really hard and the majority of the team has been away in England playing some really good cricket,” he said.

“Beau Webster is going to be a key player for us again.

“He had one of the best seasons ever last season so hopefully his form can continue.

“I have been really impressed with the fast bowlers.

“The depth is excellent so there are going to be guys who might be running drinks for the first couple of games who could easily play for any state.

“That’s really exciting and makes my job a bit easier as well.

“All in all, we’re a really solid team.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Matthew Kuhnemann of Tasmania celebrates the wicket of Jack Wildermuth of Queensland during the ODC match between Tasmania and Queensland at CitiPower Centre, on September 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

In his debut for Tasmania, a Marsh Cup loss to Victoria, Kuhnemann returned 0-20 off 3.5 overs and contributed a handy 17 not out with the bat on a day when runs were worth their weight in gold.

He took his first wicket for the Tigers in their second one-day match against Queensland (1-31 off four overs) in a rain-effected game that was abandoned.

“It would have been nice to get a full game and beat Queensland. That was something I was looking forward to,” he said.

“I was happy to contribute to the bowling attack. We bowled really well that game so it’s a shame the weather didn’t help us get a result.”

Kuhnemann honed his spin skills in a pre-season camp in India.

“We had 12 days in Chennai – they take 10 players, a few spinners and a few batters,” he said.

“It’s a training camp where you play some games against local teams and you try new things.

“You get to work on your sub-continent things because you probably spend your preseason here bowling more over-spin and that’s suitable for Australian conditions for the bounce, but over there you’re trying to get more side-spin.

“It’s good having that [experience] in your pocket for whenever you need it, so it was just a really good training camp.”