'It’s come as a bit of a surprise to me' - Steve Smith on Matthew Kuhnemann's bowling action row

Australia comprehensively won the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka by 2-0. It was a complete team effort and the pursuit was made easy by their left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. The finger spinner wreaked havoc against the Lankan batters and made use of the subcontinent conditions to the fullest. He picked up 16 wickets across two games and targeted good length deliveries against both right-handed batters and southpaws. 

But it was not a good ending to his first-ever Sri Lanka tour as he was reported for illegal bowling action. It is worth noting that, Australia were without the services of their premier captain, Pat Cummins for the tour as Steve Smith replaced him in the role. When queried about Kuhnemann's case with Smith, the veteran expressed surprise over his action being termed illegal. 

“It’s come as a bit of a surprise to me. He has been playing for eight years in professional cricket and nothing has been said in that amount of time. I am thinking of him. At present, he has to go through the process. We’re confident he will pass. He will go through that process back home. We wish him all the best,” said Smith as quoted by ABC. 

Will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts: Cricket Australia

For the unversed, a bowler's action with more than 15 degrees of extension in their elbow before the delivery is considered illegal. Kuhnemann was held for breaching this rule and will undergo biomechanical testing on his action. After the second Test when the spinner’s action was reported, Cricket Australia rolled out an official statement. 

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Steve Smith to lead Australia

“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. 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 been questioned. Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations,” CA stated.