Huge boost for Australia: Matthew Kuhnemann gets green light for Sri Lanka tour after Steve Smith

Australia's left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to travel to Sri Lanka for the upcoming two-match Test series. Cricket Australia confirmed that Kuhnemann is in contention to play the first Test in Galle, scheduled to begin next Wednesday, despite recently dislocating his thumb.

The Australian Test squad has arrived in Dubai to prepare for the two-match series against Sri Lanka. Steve Smith will captain the team in Pat Cummins' absence. Cummins is expecting his second child and recovering from ankle soreness. Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a calf injury.

Matthew Kuhnemann Sustained Injury During BBL 2024-25 Match

Matthew Kuhnemann sustained the injury during a Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 match for the Brisbane Heat against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 16 and subsequently underwent thumb surgery. His dislocated finger has complicated Australia’s selection process for their bowling attack.

Kuhnemann missed the Test squad’s preparatory camp in Dubai but is expected to join the team in Sri Lanka after proving his fitness in a training session in Brisbane. He played all three of his Tests during Australia’s India tour in early 2023, taking nine wickets at an average of 31.11, including a five-wicket haul.

Matthew Kuhnemann Cleared to Join Australian Squad in Sri Lanka

Cricket Australia has confirmed that Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to join the Australia Test squad in Sri Lanka over the weekend. He is in contention to play in the first Test in Galle, and under-19 World Cup player Oliver Peake has been invited to join the squad as a development player.

“Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to join the Australian men’s squad for the Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka,” a CA spokesperson said.

“Kuhnemann will join the squad in Sri Lanka over the weekend along with young Victorian batter and under-19 World Cup player Oliver Peake, who has been invited as a development player.”

As a left-arm spinner, he will form a formidable partnership with off-spinner Nathan Lyon by turning the ball away from right-handed batters. The pair could be a potential threat to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

There’s Not Much Pain At All Anymore - Matthew Kuhnemann

Kuhnemann said that he is feeling great and is thankful for his recovery over the past week. He stated that his thumb has healed well after surgery. Kuhnemann added that he is fortunate to be in a position where he can bowl, bat, and catch with minimal pain.

“I’m feeling really good, really grateful with how it progressed in the last week,” Kuhnemann told reporters.

“It’s healed really well, and the surgery went excellent. Very fortunate and lucky so far that I’m in a position to be able to bowl and bat and catch a few balls. Everything’s gone to plan so far. There’s not much pain at all any more.”