'Played cricket with splints on and I'm very confident' - Matthew Kuhnemann awaits clearance for Sri Lanka Test tour

Australian left-arm spinner, Matthew Kuhnemann, recently suffered a dislocated right thumb during a Big Bash League fixture between Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes. He had been shortlisted in Australia's 16-member squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The injury had put his position in jeopardy.  

However, a successful practice session in Brisbane on Thursday under the supervision of Heat's physiotherapist, Adam Smith, has suddenly increased Kuhnemann's hopes of being on the plane to Sri Lanka. 

"I think it was more about just ticking off the boxes each day this week, and so far it's gone to plan. I'm hoping so, but nothing's come out yet. I'll probably speak to the medical team this afternoon. My bowling, batting, and fielding has gone excellent so far. So, I'll just relay that message. There's a bit of a time zone difference and hopefully, I can get on the plane over there," stated Kuhnemann, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Kuhnemann further clarified that he was at ease while engaging in recent practice sessions.

"I'm feeling really good, really grateful with how it sort of progressed in the last week. It's healed really well, and the surgery went excellent. Very fortunate and lucky so far that I'm sort of in a position to be able to bowl and bat and catch a few balls. Everything's gone to plan so far. There's not much pain at all any more, and no pain bowling and
batting," he added.

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I've played cricket with splints on and I'm very confident: Kuhnemann

The 28-year-old further shared how he was feeling about his thumb and his confidence on performing optimally going forward. 

"This is a conversation I had with the surgeons and doctors and it's really stable now. It's probably more stable than it was beforehand. I've broken that thumb before and now I've got surgery on it, it's probably in a better
state. I've played cricket with splints on and I'm very confident, it doesn't affect my bowling or batting and fielding. If anything, I'm probably more confident in the field, because you've got something on your finger," added Kuhnemann. 

Australia will play both the Tests at Galle. The venue is known for having a history of being a hotspot for spinners to excel. It would indeed be a big miss for Kuhnemann if at all he is not considered for the red-ball games.