Andrew McDonald Reveals Unexpected News on Matt Kuhnemann’s Injury Prior to Nine-Wicket Feat

Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, confessed that he believed Matt Kuhnemann would not make the tour to Sri Lanka after sustaining a fractured right thumb during the Big Bash.

Initially, it seemed unlikely that Kuhnemann would participate in the subcontinental series; however, he managed a remarkable recovery just in time.

The left-arm spinner proved instrumental in Australia’s victory in the first Test, taking a total of nine wickets across the match.

Following the win, captain Steve Smith hailed the surgeon as a “magician,” while McDonald reflected on how challenging it would have been for the team to strategise for the series without the left-arm spinner.

“I’m uncertain how we would have adapted; it was fortunate he received the all-clear to travel,” McDonald remarked.

“We were in a bit of a holding pattern regarding that; following the surgeon’s assessment, there was a chance he could play.

“The events unfolded quite rapidly, and to my surprise, he performed excellently. He fielded without any limitations—it genuinely caught me off guard.

“I really wasn’t sure how the situation would resolve; I thought his chances were up.

“As the Test match approached, it became clear he was more or less confirmed to play, just three days before.”

With four Tests under his belt, Kuhnemann has now taken 18 wickets at an impressive average of 23.83.

The next Test is set to commence on February 6.