Aussie spinner cleared of suspect bowling action after surprise ICC investigation

Posted by author February 26, 2025 Cricket

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Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been cleared of a suspect bowling action after an ICC investigation.

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The Queenslander has been told he has no case to answer after he was referred to the governing body following the Sri Lanka Test series.

Kuhnemann starred in the 2-0 series win, taking 16 wickets at 17.18, just weeks after recovering from a dislocated and fractured thumb sustained playing for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash weeks earlier.

But match officials pushed for an investigation into his action which saw him independently tested.

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that the bowling action of Australia spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been found to be legal, and the player can continue bowling in international cricket,” the ICC said in a statement.

“Kuhnemann, who bowls left-arm spin, had been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle that ended on 9 February.

“He subsequently underwent an independent bowling assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane on 15 February, 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.”

Australia’s Matthew Kuhnemann (L) bowls during the fourth day of the second Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on February 9, 2025. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)Source: AFP

Meanwhile Cricket Australia said in a statement: “The ICC has found the bowling action of Australian spinner Matt Kuhnemann to be legal and he is free to continue playing international cricket.”

Ben Oliver, CA Executive General Manager National Teams said: “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.”

A bowler is permitted 15 degrees of flex with their bowling arm, and anything more is deemed illegal.

The 28-year-old was temporarily banned from bowling at international level until the investigation concluded.