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Who Is Matthew Kuhnemann? The Australian Spinner Caught In Bowling Action Controversy

Jatin

Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for suspected bowling action [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Arnavv43/x.com]Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for suspected bowling action [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Arnavv43/x.com]

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Australian left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is back in the headlines but this time not for his match-winning spells. Kuhnemann, who was a standout performer in the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka, has been reported for a suspect bowling action.

The Matthew Kuhnemann bowling action incident has raised a few eyebrows, especially given his key role in Australia’s victory at Galle, where he bagged 16 wickets across two Tests. He will now undergo independent testing at an ICC-accredited center to determine whether his action exceeds the permissible 15-degree flex.

But who is Matthew Kuhnemann? Here’s everything you need to know about the talented spinner making headlines for both the right and wrong reasons.

Who Is Matthew Kuhnemann ?

Born on September 20, 1996, in Brisbane, Matthew Kuhnemann’s cricketing story started when he moved to the Gold Coast during his childhood. He started playing cricket at 10 and made his first-grade debut for the Gold Coast Dolphins at just 17.

His breakthrough came in 2014 when he played a key role in helping The Southport School win the First XI GPS Premiership.

Kuhnemann was handed a rookie contract with Queensland in the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons before making his List A debut for the Cricket Australia XI in the 2017–18 JLT One-Day Cup. He grabbed his first List A wicket by dismissing Kurtis Patterson and showed early glimpses of his potential as a future star.


Rising Through The Ranks

Kuhnemann made his Twenty20 debut for the Brisbane Heat in the 2018–19 Big Bash League, followed by his first-class debut for Queensland in the 2020–21 Sheffield Shield.

His big break on the international level came in June 2022 when he was called up for Australia’s ODI series against Sri Lanka. Kuhnemann made an instant impact as he snagged two wickets on his ODI debut in Pallekele.

However, his crowning moment came during Australia’s 2023 Test series in India. Originally not part of the squad, Kuhnemann was drafted in after Mitchell Swepson returned home. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands by bagging a five-wicket haul in Indore as he finished with figures of 5/16 in the first innings and helping Australia secure a crucial win.

Dominance In Sri Lanka Before Bowling Action Controversy

In 2025, Kuhnemann was included in Australia’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series, despite concerns over his fitness following thumb surgery.

Once again, he proved his worth. In the first Test at Galle, Kuhnemann delivered a stunning performance as he bagged his second Test five-wicket haul with brilliant figures of 5/63 in the second innings. He followed it up with four more wickets in the third innings, leading Australia to a comprehensive win.

Kuhnemann’s action came under the scanner after his standout performance in Sri Lanka. The ICC rules allow bowlers a maximum of 15 degrees of elbow flex in their action. Following the second Test, Kuhnemann’s action was reported, triggering the mandatory testing process.

Despite being reported, Kuhnemann is still eligible to play domestic cricket while his action is reviewed.