Australia’s Kuhnemann reported for suspect bowling action

SYDNEY: Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspect bowling action after his pivotal role in the Test series win in Sri Lanka, Cricket Australia said Wednesday.

Left-armer Kuhnemann, who took 16 wickets as Steve Smith´s men swept the two-Test series this month, will have to undertake mandatory testing to determine whether his action is legal. “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,” CA said.

Kuhnemann has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017 including five Tests, four ODIs and 55 T20 Big Bash League games. “This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action has been questioned,” CA said.

“Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the International Cricket Council and independent experts in line with ICC regulations.” Under cricket rules, a player is allowed 15 degrees of flex in their bowling arm, but anything more is deemed illegal.

Local reports said the 28-year-old would likely be tested at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, with the findings referred back to the ICC. Should his action be illegal he faces being suspended from bowling until it is modified and a subsequent assessment passed.