Matt Kuhnemann dodges permanent ban as ICC clears his ‘illegal’ bowling action

Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been given the green signal by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to continue bowling after the global body’s investigation cleared his action. Matt Kuhnemann was temporarily banned from bowling in international cricket after he was suspected for his bowling actions during Australia’s recent Sri Lanka tour.

The 28-year-old spinner came under scrutiny after the match officials reported his actions to the ICC during the second and final Test between Sri Lanka and Australia. However, biomechanical testing in Brisbane has now confirmed that Kuhnemann’s actions are within the legal 15-degree flex limit.

Matt Kuhnemann free to bowl again after ICC clears his bowling action

Notably, the left-arm spinner played a crucial role in Australia’s dominant 2-0 Test series win, picking up 16 wickets at an impressive average of 17.18. This remarkable performance came just weeks after recovering from a fractured and dislocated thumb that he suffered while playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL 2024-25).

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Well, Kuhnemann’s stellar performance raised doubts over his action, and it led to independent testing. But on Wednesday, Kuhnemann received the much-awaited confirmation that he is free to bowl again, ending his temporary ban and allowing him to focus on his international career.

On February 19, Matt Kuhnemann underwent a detailed testing session to assess his bowling action. The session lasted over an hour, during which he bowled at the same pace and with similar spin as he did in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

ICC gives green signal to Matt Kuhnemann to resume bowling

The ICC experts closely monitored the process while advanced technology, including high-speed cameras and a 3D motion analysis system, captured the Australian spinner’s movements. To ensure accuracy, Kuhnemann wore special markers on his body, allowing experts to analyze his bowling mechanics in detail.

The International Cricket Council stated on its website, “Matt Kuhnemann’s action has now been deemed to be legal, and the left-arm spinner will continue to bowl in international cricket. He had undergone an independent bowling assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, where it was revealed that the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations.”

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Kuhnemann set for Sheffield Shield return

Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager National Teams, Ben Oliver, stated, “We are pleased for Matt that this matter is now resolved. It has been a challenging period for Matt; however, he has carried himself exceptionally well. He has had the full support of Australian cricket, and he can now move forward to the next phase of his international career with great confidence.”

Now, Kuhnemann, who made his Test debut in 2023 and has 25 wickets from five Tests so far, will be able to resume playing during Australia’s Test tour of the Caribbean later this year. However, it remains uncertain whether the spinner will recover in time from the thumb injury for Tasmania's next Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Hobart on March 6.