Australia left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to travel to Sri Lanka for the upcoming two-match Test series. Cricket Australia has confirmed that Kuhnemann is in contention for the first Test in Galle, which is scheduled to start next Wednesday, despite recently dislocating his thumb.
Australia’s Test squad has arrived in Dubai to prepare for the two-match series against Sri Lanka. Steve Smith will captain the team in the absence of Pat Cummins. Cummins is expecting his second child and is recovering from ankle pain. Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a calf injury.
Matthew Kuhnemann persistent injury during BBL 2024-25 match
Matthew Kuhnemann suffered the injury during a 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL) match for the Brisbane Heat against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 16 and subsequently underwent thumb surgery. His dislocated finger has complicated Australia’s selection process for the bowling attack.
Kuhnemann missed the Test squad’s preparatory camp in Dubai but is expected to join the squad in Sri Lanka after proving his fitness in a training session in Brisbane. He played all three of his Tests during Australia’s tour of India in early 2023, taking nine wickets at an average of 31.11, including a five-wicket haul.
Matthew Kuhnemann has decided to join the Australian Team in Sri Lanka
Cricket Australia has confirmed that Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to join Australia’s Test squad in Sri Lanka at the weekend. He is in contention to play in the first Test in Galle and under-19 World Cup player Oliver Peake has been invited to join the squad as a development player.
“Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to join the Australian men’s squad for the Qantas tour of Sri Lanka,” a CA spokesman said.
“Kuhnemann will join the squad in Sri Lanka at the weekend along with Victorian youngster and under-19 World Cup player Oliver Peake, who has been invited as a development player.”
A left-hander, he will form a formidable partnership with off-spinner Nathan Lyon, taking the ball away from the right-handers. The pair could be a potential threat to Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.
There’s Not Much Pain Anymore – Matthew Kuhnemann
Kuhnemann said he feels great and is grateful for his recovery over the past week. He stated that his thumb has healed well after surgery. Kuhnemann added that he is lucky to be in a position where he can bowl, bat and catch with minimal pain.
“I feel really good, really grateful for how it went the last week,” Kuhnemann told reporters.
“He’s healed really well and the surgery went great. Very fortunate and lucky so far to be able to bowl and bat and catch some balls. Everything has gone according to plan so far. There’s not much pain anymore.”
2025-01-24 07:21:00
