Matthew Kuhnemann Can Play Other Formats As Well: George Bailey

Matthew Kuhnemann is among the 23 players who were handed out central contracts for 2025-26 recently. The spinner played all his four One-Day Internationals (ODI) in 2022, but it is in the Test arena where he got more opportunities and has done well, partnering with Nathan Lyon.

However, with an eye on the T20 World Cup 2026, Australia chief selector George Bailey has endorsed Kuhnemann to play other formats as well. "I think he can play other formats," Bailey said, according to ESPNCricinfo. 

"The contract side of things is probably a lens to where he sits in our eyes at the moment, in the red-ball space he's done incredibly well."

After the World Test Championship  (WTC), Australia's attention will immediately shift to the West Indies tour, where Kuhnemann will be expected to play a role, if the conditions demand more than one spinner. "He's shown an incredible amount of resilience," Bailey said. 

"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.

"Looking at what's coming up, we don't have any subcontinent tours, but we think his skill set could be useful in the West Indies. Someone who's not had a whole heap of international exposure, we've been really pleased with the way he's performed when he's got his opportunities."

Kuhnemann has had his share of ups and downs of late. After ending up as the highest wicket-taker in Sri Lanka, he was briefly banned for a suspect action. However, he has been cleared to bowl after passing the test. Lyon, who flew back home from Sri Lanka with Kuhnemann, recalls how tense the left-arm spinner was.

"I'm happy it's all cleared, it's all done and doesn't need to be spoken about any more," Lyon said earlier in the week. 

"He hasn't done anything wrong. I thought he's been absolutely exceptional, especially the way he went out there and really bowled us to victory.

"I was pretty heartbroken in a sense. I actually flew home with him. He was pretty gutted when he was talking to me about what he had to do and he was pretty nervous. For him to have his name cleared, I could be nothing but proud for Matt and the way he's gone about it."

While Kuhnemann may have made his case for selection overseas, especially in the subcontinent, there is no guarantee that he would play at home given the competition. 

Todd Murphy's presence or the emergence of Corey Rocchiccioli means that the duo look a better fit in Australia. However, the three spinners will make a case when they tour India for a series with Australia A, which will include a couple of four-day fixtures.