Disturbing Development in Australia’s Tour of Sri Lanka as Star Spinner’s Bowling Action Flagged to ICC

The Australian cricket team’s tour of Sri Lanka has taken a fascinating twist, with spin bowler Matt Kuhnemann being reported to the ICC.

The left-arm spinner has come under scrutiny by match officials regarding a potentially suspect bowling action.

In the two Test matches, Kuhnemann claimed 16 wickets at an impressive average of 17.18, establishing himself as the standout bowler of the series.

However, match officials have referred his bowling action to the international governing body, and he is scheduled for testing at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

In the interim, he is allowed to continue participating in the Sheffield Shield.

“Following the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, the Australian team was informed of the match officials’ report, and we will support Matt through this process,” stated Cricket Australia in a report to The Age.

“Since his debut in 2017, Matt has participated in 124 professional matches, which include five Test matches and four one-day internationals, along with 55 Big Bash League games since 2018. This is the first instance in his professional career that his bowling action has been questioned.”

“Cricket Australia will collaborate closely with the ICC and independent specialists in accordance with ICC regulations. There will be no further comments made by Cricket Australia or Matt until the matter is settled.”

The 28-year-old from Queensland had only previously played three Test matches before his selection for the Sri Lanka tour.

Upon his return to the team, he recorded a five-wicket haul in his first innings and took nine wickets in total during the first Test.

He followed this performance with another seven wickets in the second Test, all while recovering from a broken thumb sustained a mere fortnight earlier during the Big Bash League.

His performances received accolades from teammate and legendary Test bowler Nathan Lyon.

“Kuhney has been outstanding, and he truly deserves all the recognition he has received,” Lyon commented.

“I hope he receives ample recognition, especially considering how he broke his thumb just three weeks ago and still managed to show such bravery on the field. It’s clear he’s in pain, but he perseveres, displaying remarkable courage and bowling superbly well.

“He consistently delivers his best ball and challenges the opposition’s defence, which is all we can ask for. He’s fulfilling his role to the best of his ability, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

“This being only his fifth Test match, the fact that he has achieved 16 wickets so far in this series, with a couple of matches still ahead, positions him as our leading bowler.”