02 Apr, 2025 | 06:03 AM

In a remarkable rise, Matt Kuhnemann has earned his first Cricket Australia (CA) central contract, cementing his place as Australia's No. 2 red-ball spinner behind Nathan Lyon. The left-arm spinner’s journey has been filled with challenges, but his resilience has shone through, with his stellar performance in Sri Lanka marking a significant turning point in his career.

Kuhnemann's path to securing a central contract began with uncertainty at the start of 2025, after a potential broken thumb threatened his Test recall. However, he defied the odds, taking 16 wickets in two Tests against Sri Lanka, ultimately leading Australia to a memorable victory. But his success did not come without hurdles—his bowling action was reported during the tour, a setback that put his future in doubt. Yet, Kuhnemann handled the scrutiny with grace, clearing the ICC’s review process and finishing the season strong with a five-wicket haul.

Kuhnemann’s impressive performances, including his 25 wickets in five Tests at an average of 22.20, have made him a key figure in Australia's bowling attack. His resilience has not gone unnoticed. George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors, praised Kuhnemann for his tenacity, especially in overcoming the pressure surrounding his bowling action. “Performing as well as he did in Sri Lanka and then having the scrutiny around his action, and having to go through that process, to bouncing back and finishing the year really well with Tassie is a testament to his character,” Bailey said.

Looking ahead, Kuhnemann is set to tour the West Indies in June, with a strong chance of partnering with Nathan Lyon in the Test series across Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica, depending on pitch conditions. The selectors have expressed confidence in Kuhnemann’s ability to contribute on the West Indies tour, given his ability to adapt to various conditions.

Lyon, who shared a strong partnership with Kuhnemann in Sri Lanka, lauded his teammate’s composure throughout the turmoil. Reflecting on the emotional toll Kuhnemann faced when his action was reported, Lyon admitted he was “heartbroken” for his fellow spinner. “For him to have his name cleared, I couldn’t be more proud of Matt and the way he’s gone about it,” Lyon said.

While the West Indies tour is a significant opportunity for Kuhnemann, his future international appearances may be limited, especially in formats outside of Test cricket. However, he could play a crucial role in the upcoming 2027 Border-Gavaskar series in India, where he made his Test debut and delivered a memorable 5 for 16 in his second match in Indore. Furthermore, Kuhnemann's left-arm spin could make him an intriguing option for Australia in next year’s T20 World Cup, should the team opt for a specialist in the format.

Despite his success, Kuhnemann's position as Australia's premier spinner in all formats is not guaranteed. With the Ashes coming up and Lyon leading the charge, selectors may opt for other options on home soil, particularly for bouncier pitches. One such contender is Todd Murphy, who was dropped from the central contract list, and Western Australia’s Corey Rocchiccioli, who ended the Sheffield Shield season on a high with a career-best seven-wicket haul and strong performances in the final match of the season.

Nevertheless, Kuhnemann, Murphy, and Rocchiccioli are all expected to be part of Australia's India tour later this year, with Australia A set to play a series of four-day matches against India A.

As he looks to the future, Kuhnemann’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination, earning him a well-deserved place in Australia's cricketing ranks.