Australia’s Kuhnemann cleared over suspect bowling action

SYDNEY: Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was cleared on Wednesday by cricket’s governing body after undergoing testing to determine whether his bowling action was legal.

Left-armer Kuhnemann was reported for a suspect bowling action after his pivotal role in the Test series win in Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old, who took 16 wickets as Steve Smith’s men swept the two-Test series this month, underwent mandatory testing in Brisbane.

“Kuhnemann’s action has now been deemed to be legal and the left-arm spinner will continue to bowl in international cricket,” the ICC said. Under cricket rules, a bowler is allowed 15 degrees of flex in their bowling arm, but anything more is deemed illegal.

Had Kuhnemann’s action been deemed illegal he faced being suspended from bowling until it was modified and a subsequent assessment passed. Kuhnemann has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017 including five Tests, four ODIs and 55 T20 Big Bash League games.

“We are pleased for Matt that this matter is now resolved,” Cricket Australia’s Ben Oliver said in a statement. “It has been a challenging period for Matt, however he has carried himself exceptionally well. “He has had the full support of Australian cricket and he can now move forward to the next phase of his international career with great confidence.”