Australian spiner Matthew Kuhnemann was authorized to travel to Sri Lanka for the next two -match test series. Cricket Australia has confirmed that Kuhnemann is preparing to play the first test in Galle, scheduled to start next Wednesday, despite the fact that he has recently dislocated his thumb.
The Australian test team arrived in Dubai to prepare for the series of two matches against SRI Lankai. Steve Smith will be the team captain in the absence of Pat Cummins. Cummins is waiting for the second child and recovers after his ankle pain. Veteran Pater Josh Hazlewood was excluded due to a leg wound.
Matthew Kuhnemann was injured during the BBL 2024-25 match
Matthew Kuhnemann suffered the injury during a Big Bash League (BBL) match 2024-25 for Brisbane Heat against Hobart Hurricanes on January 16 and later undergone surgery on the thumb. His luxurious finger has complicated Australia's selection process for their bowling attack.
Kuhnemann missed the preparatory cantonment of the Dubai test team, but it is expected to join the team from Sri Lanka after proven his physical condition in a training session in Brisbane. He played all three tests during the Australia tournament in India, in early 2023, taking nine wickets to an average of 31.11, including a five wickete transport.
Matthew Kuhnemann was authorized to join the Australian team from Sri Lanka
Cricket Australia confirmed that Matthew Kuhnemann has been authorized to join the Australia Test team from Sri Lanka at the weekend. He is preparing to play at the first Test in Galle, and the World Cup player under the age of 19 Oliver Peake has been invited to join the team as a development player.
“Matthew Kuhnemann was authorized to join the Australian men's team for Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka,” said a spokesman.
“Kuhnemann will join the team from Sri Lanka at the weekend, along with the young Victorian bat and player from the World Cup under 19, Oliver Peake, who was invited as a development player.”
As a left-handed spinner, he will form a formidable partnership with off-spinner Nathan Lyon, turning the ball away from right-wing batteries. The pair could be a potential threat to the beating band of Sri Lanka.
There's not too much pain at all – Matthew Kuhnemann
Kuhnemann said he feels great and is grateful for his recovery in the last week. He said the thumb was cured well after the surgery. Kuhnemann added that he is lucky to be in a position he can throw, beat and catch a minimal pain.
“I feel very good, very grateful for the way he progressed in the last week,” Kuhnemann told reporters.
“He healed very well, and the operation went excellent. Very lucky and lucky so far that I am in a position to be able to do at bowling, beat and catch a few balls. Everything went according to plan so far. There is not much pain at all. ”