Kuhnemann Approved to Bowl Following ICC Assessment: Report
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Synopsis
Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been given the green light to bowl after the ICC confirmed his action is legal. This decision is a significant boost for his Test career and Australia's upcoming Caribbean tour, following successful biomechanical testing that affirmed his elbow extension is within the permitted limit.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Kuhnemann cleared to bowl after ICC assessment.
- Biomechanical testing confirmed elbow extension within 15-degree limit.
- Key player in Australia’s 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka.
- Will participate in Australia’s Caribbean tour.
- Has never faced action being reported in his career.
Dubai, Feb 26 (NationPress) Australian left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has received the green light to continue bowling after the ICC deemed his action legal, marking a significant uplift for his Test career and Australia’s impending tour of the Caribbean. A report by the Australian Associated Press (AAP) states that Kuhnemann was notified on Wednesday that biomechanical testing conducted in Brisbane confirmed his action remained within the 15-degree elbow extension limit established by the ICC.
The 28-year-old had been flagged during the second Test of Australia’s recent series against Sri Lanka, sparking concerns that he might have to modify his bowling action.
This news is a relief for Kuhnemann, who played a pivotal role in Australia's 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, taking 16 wickets at an average of 17.18. His outstanding performances had positioned him as a crucial asset in Australia’s spin department, but the report raised the possibility of disrupting his career.
After undergoing over an hour of biomechanical testing, Kuhnemann’s results have now verified that his action stays within the legal limits. Throughout his eight-year professional career, Kuhnemann has never faced action being reported, including during his ODI debut for Australia in Sri Lanka in 2022 and his Test debut, along with the three Tests he played on the 2023 tour of India.
According to ICC protocols, an illegal bowling action is defined as a situation where the player's elbow extends more than 15 degrees between their arm reaching horizontal and the ball being released.
Officials in international cricket use their visual judgment and cricketing experience to determine if they suspect a player may be utilizing an illegal bowling action, and if so, they will file a report.
With his action now approved, Kuhnemann is set to compete in Australia’s tour of the Caribbean later this year. Australia is also keen to have Kuhnemann fully fit ahead of the 2027 tour of India.
