In an attempt to get experience playing in red-ball matches prior to Australia’s summer tour of Sri Lanka, three-time Test spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has joined with Tasmania.
The 27-year-old was not included on the Bulls’ 2024–2025 contract list and did not represent his home state of Queensland in the Sheffield Shield last season.
Having played in 20 first-class matches, Kuhnemann represented Australia in three Test matches in India early in 2023.
The left-arm finger spinner, who had been flown over mid-tour, took 5-16 in his second Test match to help Australia defeat the hosts in Indore.
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Kuhnemann expressed his gratitude on Monday, saying, “I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity from Tasmania to join their talented squad.”
“I’m excited to get down there, challenge myself, and help contribute to winning games and competitions for Tasmania.”
After a summer series against India at home, Kuhnemann will be vying for a position in Australia’s Test team for their February trip of Sri Lanka.
In addition, he is still under contract with the Brisbane Heat of the Big Bash League and can be selected for Tasmania in the 50-over competition.
Salliann Beams, high-performance manager of Cricket Tasmania, stated, “We are thrilled to have a player of Matt’s caliber join the Tigers and believe he will play a key role for using the white-ball format of the game.”
In the Sheffield Shield final in March, Tasmania was defeated by Western Australia, despite Jarrod Freeman—who took 18 wickets at 46—being their starting spinner of choice for the season.
Kuhnemann, who has previously participated in four One-Day Internationals, was unable to catch leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, who finished the Queensland season with thirty wickets.
He was excluded from Queensland’s contract list, along with former Test opener Joe Burns, following the Bulls’ bottom-finishing performance in the just concluded Shield tournament.
Will Prestwidge, a 22-year-old fast from Queensland who participated in two one-day matches for the Bulls over three summers, was also signed by the Tigers.
