O'Keefe Critiques Cricket Australia for Failing Kuhnemann's Bowling Action Support
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Synopsis
Former Australian spinner Steve O'Keefe criticizes Cricket Australia for not providing adequate support to Matt Kuhnemann, who is under scrutiny for a suspected illegal bowling action. O'Keefe emphasizes the need for proactive measures to prevent such issues.
Key Takeaways
- Steve O'Keefe believes Cricket Australia has let Matt Kuhnemann down.
- Kuhnemann's bowling action was flagged during the ICC series against Sri Lanka.
- O'Keefe suggests earlier testing could have prevented current scrutiny.
- Kuhnemann can still play domestic cricket for Tasmania.
- O'Keefe stresses the importance of proactive measures in the future.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Former Australian spinner Steve O'Keefe has voiced his concerns that Cricket Australia has not supported Matt Kuhnemann sufficiently after the left-arm spinner was flagged for a potentially illegal bowling action. Kuhnemann was noted for a questionable bowling action during the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka in Galle. An independent evaluation at an ICC-accredited facility will determine the legality of his action.
O'Keefe believes that Australian officials should have proactively conducted tests sooner to avoid the current predicament facing the left-arm spinner.
“He’s played over 100 professional games of cricket with match referees in the Big Bash and First Class cricket. He has trained under coaches who have witnessed his progress over the years. I suspect it might be hyperextension, and I anticipate no issues during the testing,” O’Keefe stated on SEN Sportsday NSW/QLD.
“If they can identify it, then surely coaches and umpires at the domestic level should take the initiative to examine it, allowing him to be cleared at the centre of excellence in Brisbane instead of being reactive.”
“This scenario can be quite damaging to the player's well-being, especially after a successful series in Sri Lanka; now he must endure this distressing process.”
“It’s a cold environment, you are isolated, there’s minimal communication, they tape you up, and then they assess you with various degrees of action,” he added.
O'Keefe urged Cricket Australia to take a more proactive stance in the future, as Kuhnemann is barred from international play until the assessment is finalized.
Nonetheless, Kuhnemann is permitted to compete in domestic cricket for Tasmania while awaiting the test results.
“If we neglect to address this early on or fail to identify players with dubious actions within the system, it could lead to complications for Australia.”
“We certainly do not want such issues arising at higher levels; imagine if we had an upcoming tour to India and he was the leading spinner. He’d be sidelined.”
“In my view, the system has faltered and let him down. However, I have confidence that there will be no issues for Matt Kuhnemann. I believe he will be fine,” O’Keefe concluded.
