Australia in Sri Lanka: Matt Kuhnemann cleared to travel after dislocating his thumb

Spinner Matthew Kuhnemann will fly to Sri Lanka on the weekend and is in the mix to play the first Test in Galle from next Wednesday, Cricket Australia has confirmed.

Kuhnemann was put through a fitness test at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Thursday after dislocating his thumb last week.

The injury, which he picked up while playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash, was to his non-bowling hand, which means he has been able to deliver balls comfortably, but concerns have lingered over his batting and fielding.

“Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to join the Australian men’s squad for the Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka,” a CA spokesperson said.

“Kuhnemann will join the squad in Sri Lanka over the weekend along with young Victorian batter and under-19 World Cup player Oliver Peake, who has been invited as a development player.”

Kuhnemann, who shifted to Tasmania this season in a bid to continue his Test career, is one of three frontline spinners Australia has sent on the tour.

The 28-year-old has played three Tests — all on Australia’s tour of India in 2023 — and took nine wickets. He also famously opened the batting as a nightwatchman on that trip.

Off-spinners Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy are on the trip, while Kuhnemann’s availability for the first Test could shape Cooper Connolly’s hopes of a Test debut.

The West Australian, who has played just four first-class matches, is in the squad as a middle-order batting option who can also bowl left-arm finger spin.

Stand-in captain Steve Smith, who has overcome an elbow injury scare, was a loud advocate for Connolly to be included in the squad because he wanted players that could spin the ball away from right-handers.

It indicates there is a strong chance either Connolly or Kuhnemann will face Sri Lanka.