Australian spinner doubtful for Sri Lanka tour after thumb injury

Matt Kuhnemann’s participation in Australia’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka is under serious doubt after the left-arm spinner injured his thumb during a Big Bash League (BBL) match for the Brisbane Heat.  

The injury occurred on Thursday night when Kuhnemann, while attempting to field a Matthew Wade straight drive off his own bowling, hurt his non-bowling right hand. He immediately left the field in visible agony, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming tour. The severity of the injury also left his Heat and national teammate, Marnus Labuschagne, visibly shaken.  

“I just heard about Matt Kuhnemann, so that’s pretty bad,” Labuschagne told. “It’s his thumb … it doesn’t look great. I really feel for him,” he added.   

Kuhnemann is scheduled to join Labuschagne and the rest of the squad in Dubai on Sunday for a pre-Test training camp. If he is ruled out, the chances of a debut for all-rounder Cooper Connolly could increase. Connolly, who bowls left-arm spin like Kuhnemann, is highly regarded by Steven Smith, Australia’s interim captain for the Sri Lanka series, despite not yet taking a first-class wicket.  

Australia already has Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy, both right-arm off-spinners, in their squad. However, if Kuhnemann is unavailable, selectors may consider other options. Possible replacements include uncapped West Australian off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, New South Wales leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, and Queensland’s Mitchell Swepson.  

Kuhnemann played a crucial role during Australia’s 2023 Test tour of India, where his bowling proved effective in subcontinental conditions. He claimed nine wickets across three matches, including a remarkable 5 for 16 in the second Test.  

This season, Kuhnemann moved from Queensland to Tasmania in search of more opportunities in the Sheffield Shield, given he was behind Swepson in the Queensland pecking order. The move paid off, as he became the leading spinner in the competition, taking 18 wickets in six matches.  

Labuschagne, who was deeply upset by Kuhnemann’s injury, highlighted the spinner’s importance to the team in Sri Lankan conditions. “He’s someone I’m close to, and he’s grown so much as a bowler. In Sri Lanka, he’s probably one of the first names picked. I’m really gutted for him,” Labuschagne said.  

Meanwhile, Labuschagne himself showcased fine form in the BBL, scoring a career-best 77 off 44 balls. Reflecting on the challenges of playing in the subcontinent, he said, “You need different options there. It’s about trusting your defence, your sweep, and your overall game. I’m confident and ready to refine those plans further in Dubai.”  

The first Test against Sri Lanka is set to take place later this month in Galle, and Australia’s selectors will now closely monitor Kuhnemann’s recovery to determine their next steps.