New Delhi, February 26 (H.S.): Australian left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been cleared to bowl in international cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed this on Wednesday. His bowling action was reported to be in doubt after the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Kuhnemann took 16 wickets in this series and Australia won 2-0.

Assessment conducted in Brisbane

According to the ICC, Kuhnemann underwent an independent bowling assessment at the National Cricket Center in Brisbane on 15 February. The investigation found that the amount of elbow extension in his bowling action was within the 15-degree limit set by the ICC. After this he was allowed to bowl in international cricket.

During the test, Kuhnemann was bowled for over an hour, with his action scrutinized by high-speed cameras and a 3D motion analysis system.

Doubts on return to domestic cricket

Although Kuhnemann could play domestic cricket, he suffered a thumb injury during the Big Bash League (BBL), which has kept him out of action. It is not yet clear whether he will be fit for the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Hobart from March 6.

Cricket Australia (CA) Executive General Manager of National Teams Ben Oliver said, We are delighted for Matt that this matter has now been resolved. He has handled this challenging time brilliantly. He has received full support and can now confidently move on to the next phase of his career.

Australian team players also made statements in support of Kuhnman. Captain Steven Smith said, It was a bit of a surprise for me. He has been playing professional cricket for eight years and his action has never been questioned. We were confident that he would go through the process successfully.

Kuhnemann has taken 25 wickets at an average of 22.20 in five Test matches played so far.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar