Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for a potentially illegal bowling action following his crucial contribution to the Test series victory in Sri Lanka, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Wednesday.

The left-arm bowler, who claimed 16 wickets during the two-Test series sweep led by Steve Smith, is required to undergo mandatory testing to assess the legality of his bowling action.

“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.

“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.”

Since his debut in 2017, Kuhnemann has participated in 124 professional matches, encompassing five Test matches, four One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 55 games in the T20 Big Bash League.

According to cricket regulations, a player is permitted up to 15 degrees of flexion in their bowling arm; any deviation beyond this limit is considered illegal.

Local reports indicate that the 28-year-old is likely to undergo testing at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, with the results to be forwarded to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

If his bowling action is deemed illegal, he may face suspension from bowling until modifications are made and a subsequent assessment is completed.

Australia’s men’s cricket team coach Andrew McDonald expressed surprise at Kuhnemann’s rapid recovery from a thumb injury that could have sidelined him from the tour of Sri Lanka on February 6, 2024. In his first Test appearance in nearly two years, Kuhnemann delivered an outstanding performance, taking nine wickets in Australia’s record victory by an innings and 242 runs during the first match of the two-Test series in Galle.

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