Matthew Kuhnemann Undergoes ICC Testing After Action Report

Australia’s 28-year-old left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been subjected to a thorough biomechanical analysis of his bowling action recently after a complaint was filed after the second Test of Australia’s 2-0 series victory in Sri Lanka. Kuhnemann, a crucial member of the series-winning team, was told that his bowling action was under suspicion of having an issue, which is the first time in his eight-year-long professional career.

In response to this issue, Kuhnemann also underwent a series of tests at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane during the weekend. These tests, part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) procedure for reported bowlers, took more than an hour. Throughout the session, Kuhnemann had to bowl at a velocity and revolutions comparable to what was employed in the Tests against Sri Lanka.

The session was closely monitored by ICC experts using a variety of technology such as high-speed cameras, markers affixed to Kuhnemann’s body, and a 3D motion analysis system to accurately record the specifics of his bowling action.

Anticipation of ICC’s Decision

Following the completion of the testing process, Cricket Australia (CA) assured that Kuhnemann’s action would be reviewed and a decision made by the ICC within a week. In a statement issued by CA, it was mentioned that Kuhnemann as well as the organization would avoid making any further comments until the ICC came to a conclusion. The results of the tests, which involve a close examination of Kuhnemann’s elbow extension while bowling, will be thoroughly analyzed.

Potential Consequences of the ICC’s Review

The ICC will review if Kuhnemann’s elbow exceeds 15 degrees when he bowls his normal delivery, thus violating the permissible limit for bowling actions. If the tests reveal that his action is against the guidelines of the ICC, Kuhnemann may be suspended from bowling until he can demonstrate that he has rectified the problem.

However, in the event that the action is not legal, Kuhnemann will be cleared to keep bowling for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield competition but will no longer be eligible for selection for Australia’s tour of the West Indies in June.

In certain situations, the ICC is also empowered to decide whether or not a bowler’s action is problematic on particular deliveries only. In that case, the bowler will be permitted to play but subject to restrictions on the deliveries that he can deliver until his action is completely cleared.

Kuhnemann’s Injury and Teammates’ Support

In addition to the scrutiny of his bowling action, Kuhnemann has also been coping with a thumb injury he picked up during the Big Bash League (BBL). Although this is to his non-bowling hand, it has enabled him to undergo the biomechanical testing without any issues. Nevertheless, because of his thumb problem, he was not available for Tasmania’s ongoing Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.

Kuhnemann’s performances in Australia’s recent Test series against Sri Lanka were outstanding. He was the top wicket-taker for Australia in the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, taking 16 wickets at an average of 17.18 from two Tests. His outstanding subcontinent performance, particularly in trying conditions, has earned him the undivided support of his Australian teammates.

Team Support and Captain Steven Smith

The Australian squad, with Steven Smith leading the team as a stand-in captain, has expressed solid belief in Kuhnemann’s capacity to turn the situation around. Smith was left stunned upon hearing that Kuhnemann’s action was reported, considering the spinner’s extensive professional cricket career without past record of any problem. Commenting on the issue, Smith stated, “It’s come as a bit of a surprise to me. He has been playing for eight years in professional cricket and nothing has been said in that amount of time.”

Smith, the captain of Australia for the Sri Lanka series, spoke of his hope for Kuhnemann’s future, saying, “We’re confident he will pass. He will go through that process back home, we wish him all the best.”

Kuhnemann’s international cricket career in the future will depend on the outcome of the ICC’s examination of his bowling action. Backed by his teammates and the conviction that he will pass through the process, Kuhnemann will wait eagerly for the decision of the ICC. If cleared, he will remain an important player for both Tasmania and Australia in the coming matches, including the much-awaited tour of West Indies.

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