Huge problem for Cricket Australia ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, star bowler reported for suspect action

Australia's left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann who claimed 16 wickets in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka and won the 'Player of the series' has been reported for suspect bowling action.

Kuhnemann's action came under the scanner in the post-match report. He will have to prove his action is legal in an ICC-accredited centre which is likely to be Brisbane. If Kuhnemann fails the assessment, he will be banned from bowling until he makes the necessary changes to bring the flex under 15 degrees which is permitted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"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," a CA spokesperson said.

"Matt has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017, including five Test matches and four One-Day Internationals. He has played 55 Big Bash League games since 2018.

"This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action has been questioned.

"Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations. No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved."

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Kuhnemann free to bowl in domestic cricket

Meanwhile, Kuhnemann is cleared to bowl in the ongoing Sheffield Shield Cup for Queensland. On February 18, Queensland will face Western Australia. Kuhnemann may be seen in action during the clash in Brisbane. However, he will not be back in international cricket for months. Australia's next Test encounter is the World Test Champions (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa at Lord's London where Kuhnemann won't play a role considering the pace-friendly conditions.

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Kuhnemann's impressive recovery

Earlier, Kuhnemann made a remarkable recovery from a thumb injury he suffered during Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 clash for Brisbane Heat. The 28-year-old's recovery even surprised stand-in captain Steve Smith. On spin-friendly wickets of Sri Lanka, he bowled in tandem with veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon as they claimed 30 out of 40 wickets of host batters in the series.