‘I’ve bowled millions of balls during my career and there was no doubt whatsoever’: Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann on suspected bowling action | Cricket News
Weeks after his action was cleared of suspected illegal bowling action the ICC, Australian left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has shared how he was always confident about him getting the nod post the tests and had no doubt about the result of the tests. The 28-year-old was the leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets during Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka early this year before his action was reported match officials.
“I’ve played over 100 professional games and never got questioned, so that’s why I was always confident that I’d be fine. Before the incident and after, I’ve never been more confident in my ability as a cricketer than I am at the moment. The process was very straightforward and simple – you pretty much bowl. You go in there and bowl 20-30 balls (surrounded ) lots of cameras and sensors … so I was happy to get it done as soon as possible and get on with the season. I was very confident the whole time. I’ve bowled millions of balls during my career and there was no doubt whatsoever,” Kuhnemann told Cricket Australia’s website.
The left-arm spinner underwent an assessment at National Cricket Centre in Brisbane and the results of the assessment tests came last month clearing the left-arm spinner’s action. Though he could not play international cricket till the results of the tests came, the left-arm spinner was eligible to play on Austra;ia’s domestic circuit. The 28-year-old missed Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield match against South Australia last month. He then played for Tasmania against Queensland post the results of the tests and will now be playing in Tasmania’s final game of the season against New South Wales starting Saturday.
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“It’s pretty rare to get a break in the middle of the season. I gave a chance for my body to recover; I bowled a fair few overs in Sri Lanka and prior to that Test series, so it was like a mini pre-season in the middle of the season, so it was quite nice to have a couple weeks off. I was very grateful for the support Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania provided me through that time. If it wasn’t for (the move to) Tassie, I probably wouldn’t have made my way over to Sri Lanka so I’m very fortunate for … the opportunity. We would have liked to win a few more games this season and to be in that Shield final, but we’re definitely growing something good down here and are not far off from holding the Shield,” said the left-arm spinner.
While Nathan Lyon is expected to don the leading spinner’s role for Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June, Matthew Kuhnemann can make a return to the Australian Test team for the West Indies tour. “I’ve personally never been to the West Indies, but I’ve heard it has taken some spin in the last few years, so if the opportunity comes, I’d love to go over there and play a role in that squad. After this Shield game I’ll sit down and work out what my next 3-4 months look like; I’d love to keep playing cricket, I loved my time in Durham (in 2023). So if the opportunity rises, I’d take it with both hands,” concluded Kuhnemann.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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