Usually, the ICC advises bowlers to undergo testing in overseas labs, but the Australian spinner will have his assessment done in his home country.
Matthew Kuhnemann was initially set to play in a Sheffield Shield match before undergoing his bowling action test. However, due to a thumb injury, he will miss Tasmania’s game against South Australia. Despite the setback, his bowling action test will proceed as scheduled, even with the injury.
Kuhnemann’s action came under scrutiny during Australia’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. The left-arm spinner played a key role in the Test series, taking 16 wickets in two matches to help Australia secure a clean sweep.
Though his action has been questioned, he is still allowed to play domestic cricket. That’s why he was expected to feature in the Sheffield Shield match. However, his old injury has resurfaced, prompting the medical team to keep him out as a precaution. Kuhnemann had already played through the injury in Sri Lanka, but it has flared up again.
Despite missing the match, there are no changes to his testing schedule. The lab assessment needs to replicate match conditions as closely as possible, including his bowling speed and style. Since the injury is on his non-bowling hand, it shouldn’t affect the test.
Details about his testing process remain confidential, but reports suggest he will undergo the assessment within the next week.
The test must take place in an ICC-accredited lab. Typically, the ICC prefers bowlers to be tested outside their home country, but Kuhnemann will have his assessment in Brisbane. ICC officials will closely monitor the process.
Results are expected within a week of the test.
This is the first time in his professional career that Kuhnemann’s bowling action has been questioned. If he clears the test, he is likely to be included in Australia’s squad for the West Indies tour in June. However, if he fails, he will have to go through a remedial process to correct his action.
