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Matthew Paul Kuhnemann, a talented left-arm orthodox spinner who has emerged as a key figure in Australian cricket has earned a spot in the squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June 2025.
All you need to know about Matthew Kuhnemann
Early life and background
Kuhnemann was born on September 20, 1996, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He grew up on the Gold Coast, where his passion for cricket began to take shape. Raised in a supportive family, he attended The Southport School and excelled in cricket. In 2014, he led his school to a First XI GPS Premiership, a moment he still considers a highlight of his junior career.
He started playing cricket at the age of 10 and made his first-grade debut for the Gold Coast Dolphins at 17. His left-arm orthodox spin, developed through Queensland’s junior pathways, earned him a place in the Australia Under-19 team that toured Sri Lanka in 2014. A dedicated student of the game, he stood out for his wristy action and competitive spirit, which laid a strong foundation for his professional career.
Domestic and BBL career
Kuhnemann’s domestic career began with a rookie contract from Queensland for the 2016–17 season. He made his List A debut for the Cricket Australia XI in the 2017–18 JLT One-Day Cup, where he took the wicket of Kurtis Patterson. His first-class debut for Queensland came in February 2021, followed by steady performances in the Sheffield Shield.
In the Big Bash League (BBL), Kuhnemann made his debut for the Brisbane Heat in 2019, taking two wickets. By BBL 13, he had become a key player, claiming nine wickets and earning praise as the team’s most economical bowler during their championship-winning season. Now representing Tasmania, he has taken 18 wickets in six first-class matches this season, reinforcing his reputation as a subcontinental specialist known for tight, disciplined spells.
Also READ: South Africa announces 15-man squad for the WTC 2025 final against Australia
International breakthrough
Kuhnemann made his international debut in June 2022 during an ODI against Sri Lanka, where he took two wickets in Pallekele. His Test debut came in February 2023 during Australia’s tour of India, stepping in after Mitchell Swepson returned home. In Indore, he delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 5 for 16, dismissing Virat Kohli as his first Test wicket—a career-defining moment.
Despite undergoing thumb surgery in 2025, Kuhnemann played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2–0 Test series victory in Sri Lanka. He took 16 wickets at an average of 17.18, including a 5 for 63 in Galle. His strong form earned him selection in the ICC World Test Championship final squad against South Africa in June 2025. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon praised Kuhnemann’s “exceptional” bowling, which significantly boosted his confidence. With 25 Test wickets in just five matches, Kuhnemann has established himself as a valuable asset in Australia’s bowling lineup.
Suspected action controversy
Kuhnemann, the Australian left-arm spinner, faced scrutiny over his bowling action during the 2025 Test series against Sri Lanka. Despite leading the series with 16 wickets at an average of 17.18, match officials reported his action as potentially illegal. This was the first time his action had been questioned in his professional career since 2017. Following the report, Kuhnemann underwent biomechanical testing at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. The assessment confirmed that his elbow extension remained within the 15-degree tolerance permitted by ICC regulations, deeming his action legal.
Kuhnemann expressed confidence in his action and appreciated the transparent and professional manner in which the testing process was conducted. Cricket Australia and team officials also supported him, emphasizing that the scrutiny was part of a fair and consistent process. While the outcome was positive, the incident raised questions about the consistency of action reporting and testing procedures across international cricket.
Also READ: Australia unveil full-strength squad for WTC 2025 final against South Africa
