Australian Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann claims he was ‘never concerned’ about bowling inquiry

Australia’s Matt Kuhnemann has stated that he was “never concerned” about the prospect of facing a suspension while under investigation for a suspect bowling action.

The left-arm spinner was flagged by match officials and subsequently scrutinised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a standout Test series where he claimed 16 wickets in Sri Lanka.

To verify his bowling action and overturn the ICC-imposed suspension, Kuhnemann was required to undergo biomechanical testing in Brisbane.

The inquiry centred on whether the Queensland player extended his left elbow beyond the 15-degree threshold.

Fortunately, the findings indicated that the vast majority of his deliveries registered under 10 degrees.

The 28-year-old, speaking out for the first time since his clearance, expressed that he never allowed himself to be troubled by the investigation.

“I was never really fazed by the entire situation,” Kuhnemann explained.

“I embraced the process and moved forward… that’s just part of being a professional athlete these days.

“People might throw doubt your way, but it’s all about how you handle it.

“Having played over 100 professional games without any questions, I’ve never felt more confident in my skills as a cricketer than I do now.

“I’ve bowled countless balls throughout my career. I had no doubts prior to the Test series, and that was never going to alter my perspective.

“Ultimately, I had to go through the necessary procedures. The umpires had their protocols, too.”

Kuhnemann revealed he was in the changerooms with his fellow Australian teammates when he first learned his bowling action had come under scrutiny.

However, this challenge did not diminish his enthusiasm following a remarkable Test series performance.

“Initially, there was definitely a sense of shock when I learned the news,” Kuhnemann admitted.

“My immediate concern was, ‘What does the process entail?’ and ‘What does it look like?’

“I felt very grateful for the backing I received from Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania during that period.

“I accepted the procedures and found them to be quite straightforward, so I was eager to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

“I was always confident that I would be fine,” he added.

“The break allowed me ten days to let my thumb recover; it’s rare to get a break in the middle of the season.

“It was an opportunity for my body to recuperate, especially after bowling extensively prior to that Test series in Sri Lanka.”

The emerging star aspires to secure a place in the Australian squad for the forthcoming Test tour of the West Indies in June, but for the moment, he is concentrating on delivering strong performances in varying conditions.

“It’s tough when you have the best off-spinner in history ahead of you,” he remarked, referring to Nathan Lyon.

“I’m very fortunate to play alongside ‘Gaz’ in conditions suited for spin bowling.

“I love the craft of spin bowling and I’m continually striving to improve in every condition worldwide. Whether it’s in England, Australia, or the sub-continent, I relish the challenge.

“For me, if I can contribute to winning games for Tasmania, that should bolster my chances.”