SL vs AUS: Matthew Kuhnemann Bowling Action Under Scanner, Spinner Set For Tests - Report

Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who was the breakout star in the recently concluded Test series in Sri Lanka, has been reported for suspect bowling action by the match officials, according to a report.

Kunhemann, who finished the recent Test series with 16 wickets in the two Tests at Galle, will now reportedly undergo independent testing at an ICC-accredited centre with Brisbane the likely location to clear his bowling action.

As per a report from Fox Sport, Code Sports' Ben Horne and Robert Craddock revealed the news with Australian officials taken by surprise, especially as no issue has been flagged previously in Kuhnemann's career with the national team or for his domestic teams.

"The Australian team was notified of the match officials' referral following the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will support Matt through the process of clearing this matter," a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"Matt has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017, including five Test matches and four One-Day Internationals. He has played 55 Big Bash League games since 2018. This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action has been questioned.

"Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations. No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved."

The report further added that Kuhnemann will still be able to play for Tasmania in Sheffield Shield cricket while the results of testing are pending, but he cannot participate in international cricket sanctioned by the ICC until he is cleared.

A bowler is permitted 15 degrees of flex with their bowling arm, anything more is deemed illegal. Should Kuhnemann fail those tests, he would be banned from bowling until remedial work is undertaken and the corrections are approved.

The left-arm spinner raced against time to recover from a broken thumb to make himself available for the Sri Lanka tour, where he topped the wicket-takers charts, taking his Test tally to 25 wickets in 5 matches.