New Delhi: Australia spinner Matt Kuhnemann’s action has been pulled up for a suspect bowling action by umpires in their recent Test series triumph in Sri Lanka.
The left-arm spinner will now have to undergo biomechanical tests on his bowling action after being referred to the International Cricket Council. He stares at a ban if his bowing action is judged to be beyond the degree of arm flexion allowed for bowlers.
According to ICC’s stipulations, bowlers are allowed to flex their arms by 15 degrees during their actions.
“The Australian team was notified of the match officials’ referral following the second test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will support Matt through the process of clearing this matter,” Cricket Australia said.
“This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action has been questioned. Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations. No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved.”
Since making his debut in 2017, Kuhnemann has played 124 professional matches, which includes five Tests, four ODIs and 55 Big Bash League games and had never been reported previously.
Kuhnemann is likely to undergo biometric tests in Brisbane later this month with results of those analysed by the ICC.
Should he fail in those tests, Kuhnemann will barred from international cricket and will have to undergo remedial work on his bowling action.
Star turn in Sri Lanka
The 28-year-old picked up 16 wickets at an average of 17.18 in Australia’s 2-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka, teaming up with Lyon to claim 30 off the 40 wickets.
Overall, he has claimed 25 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 22.20 and made it to the squad for the Lanka series after fracturing his thumb in January while playing in the BBL.
Matt Kuhnemann made his debut in 2017 and has played in 124 professional matches, including five Tests and four ODIs for Australia Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
