The Sri Lankan cricket team challenges the ICC’s timeliness in reporting Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann’s bowling action.
After the first Test, prominent Sri Lankan players raised concerns about the left-arm spinner’s technique, but match officials didn’t officially investigate until after the series. Sri Lankan cricketers are confused and divided about this delay. Follow bet pro login for more sports news.
He contributed nine wickets to Australia’s first Test win in Galle, raising suspicions. His delivery made several Sri Lankan players uncomfortable at the crease because they couldn’t predict his actions.
One batter asked Sri Lanka’s spin bowling coach, Piyal Wijetunge, to review Kuhnemann’s motion.
Wijetunge found no anomalies and ascribed the worries to the Aussie spinner’s wrist motion. Some players remained doubtful despite this professional judgment, especially as they struggled against his deliveries throughout the series.
Series Finale Official Report
After the series, the ICC reported Kuhnemann’s conduct, requiring him to undergo independent testing to determine whether it violated the 15-degree elbow extension rule.
This abrupt report has left Sri Lankan players and fans wondering why the match officials, who oversaw both Tests, waited until the series was over to raise the issue.
One Sri Lankan player asked, “We don’t understand why match officials waited till the series was completed to record his action. Any suspicions should have been voiced promptly.”
Impact and Unique Action of Kuhnemann
Kuhnemann, who took 16 wickets at 17.18, is creating a name for himself in international cricket.
He debuted in ODIs in Sri Lanka in 2022 and impressed in his first Test series in India. This is the first formal investigation in his eight-year tenure.
Interestingly, great Indian spinner R Ashwin had broken down Kuhnemann’s movement on YouTube.
Ashwin said the left-arm spinner’s wrist stance generates an optical appearance of high elbow extension. Ashwin says, “His wrist fractures are similar to an elbow extension. Nothing like that happens in his actions. Wrist participation is more.”
Sri Lanka’s Response and Plans
While Sri Lankan players are confused by the delayed findings, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will wait for ICC testing before making further pronouncements.
Independent biomechanical examination by human-movement specialists will determine Kuhnemann’s future in international bowling.
He must bowl at match speeds and revolutions to determine if his elbow extension exceeds the legal limit.
Cricket Australia supports Kuhnemann and confirms his authenticity. Queenslander, now playing for Tasmania, has the support of his cricketing board, which will supervise his examination.
The Bigger Question: International Cricket Report Timing
This raises questions regarding international cricket’s approach to reporting questionable bowling.
The ICC has established standards for reviewing and testing dubious conduct, but timing can affect individuals and teams.
Australia might have adjusted their strategy if Kuhnemann had been disclosed during the series.
The delay meant Sri Lanka played the entire series against a bowler they considered needed closer investigation, only to have the matter resolved after the competition.
This raises doubts about match authorities’ ability to recognize and report suspicious behavior quickly. Legality concerns concerning a bowler should be addressed during the match, not after a series.
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Final Thoughts!
Matthew Kuhnemann’s bowling action has confused Sri Lanka due to its delayed reporting, not the assessment itself.
Sri Lankan players wonder why the problem was not highlighted sooner as the ICC tests his action.
This event may prompt reconsidering how and when suspect bowling actions are reported in cricket as the globe awaits test findings.
Kuhnemann’s career is at a crossroads, and independent testing will determine whether he can continue bowling with his current actions or if international laws need to be changed.
