Matthew Kuhnemann

A left-arm spinner named Matthew Kuhnemann grabbed headlines when he registered a ten-wicket haul in a Sheffield Shield game to overcome a stubborn Tasmania batting line-up in October 2021. Still a young gun, Kuhnemann is a quality left-arm spinner and a reliable batter who represents Australia and Queensland domestically. 

Raised in the Gold Coast, Kuhnemann started his journey at the Gold Coast District Cricket Club. His first-grade debut for the Gold Coast Dolphins was at 17 years of age. Later bagged the Australian Under-19 cap for the Sri Lanka tour in 2014. 

The Brisbane-born starred in Queensland’s Premier Cricket competition in 2015-16, where he scalped 35 wickets– including his then best figures of 7/91 against Wynnum/Manly. This was just a start for Kuhnemann, as he earned a rookie contract with Queensland for 2016-17.

Kuhnemann debuted for the Queensland Bulls during the 2018 JLT Cup. Picking up eight wickets at 23.62, Kuhnemann became a wanted commodity by many BBL Clubs but was signed by the Brisbane Heat in BBL|08.

Since then, his career has only gone north, the spinner has started finding some recognition at the Big Bash stage, where he plays with and against the best in business. The BBL experience has certainly helped him to up his Sheffield game, and his of-late numbers are the epitome of it. 

The left-arm spinner earned his maiden call-up to the national team in June 2022, joining Australia’s ODI squad during their tour of Sri Lanka. He made an immediate impact on debut in Pallekele, taking two wickets and showcasing his control and composure under pressure.

Kuhnemann’s Test debut came in unexpected but dramatic fashion during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. Initially overlooked for the tour, he was drafted into the squad after Mitchell Swepson returned home for personal reasons. Despite being a late addition, Kuhnemann was preferred over Ashton Agar and made his debut in the second Test. He quickly made headlines during the third Test in Indore, where he delivered a match-defining spell of 5/16, playing a crucial role in securing Australia’s victory.

In 2025, the left-arm spinner was named in Australia’s squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. Although a thumb injury sustained in the Big Bash League cast doubt on his availability, he was declared fit for the opening Test in Galle. He seized the opportunity, taking 5/63 in the second innings and followed it up with four more wickets in the next innings to help seal another comprehensive win. Over the course of the series, Kuhnemann emerged as the leading wicket-taker, finishing with 16 wickets at an exceptional average of 17.18.

Following the final Test, Kuhnemann faced a brief setback when he was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action. However, after undergoing testing with the International Cricket Council, his action was cleared on 26 February 2025, allowing him to resume bowling in international cricket without restriction.

Matthew Kuhnemann’s rise underscores his ability to adapt and deliver in challenging conditions. With a calm demeanour and a knack for breakthroughs, he is fast becoming a vital asset in Australia's spin arsenal.

(As of May 2025)