Matthew Kuhnemann, a three-Test player, signed with Tasmania in a bid to gain time on the red ball ahead of Australia’s trip to Sri Lanka next summer.
The 27-year-old played for his home state of Queensland in the Sheffield Shield last season and moved south in hopes of becoming the Tasmanian Shield number one and defending a call-up to Australia before both. Trial excursion next year.
Kuhnemann, who has 20 top-tier games under his belt, played 3 Tests for Australia in India at the start of 2023. Having been flown over mid-tour, the left-arm spinner scored five out of 16 in his second test. Australia beat the hosts in Indore.
“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to sign for your talented Tasmanian team,” Kuhnemann said on Monday.
“I’m excited to get there, challenge myself and win games and competitions for Tasmania. “
Kuhnemann will seek a spot on Australia’s testing team for its trip to Sri Lanka in February, following a series of summer homes in India.
He will also be available to the over-50 variety for Tasmania and remains under contract with the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.
“We are very pleased to have a player of Matt’s calibre signed up for the Tigers and he will play a key role for us in the whiteball format of the game,” said Salliann Beams, High Performance Manager at Cricket Tasmania.
“Matt’s orthodox bowling art will give us another option for our bowling team as he has had good luck for Australia and nationally in the BBL. “
Tasmania lost to Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield final in March, with Jarrod Freeman (18-46) as their first-choice player for the season.
Kuhnemann, who also played 4 one-day internationals, got stuck with Mitchell Swepson, who won 30 wickets for the season for Queensland.
The Tigers announced the signing of 22-year-old Will Prestwidge, a Queensland sprinter who has played two one-day games for the Bulls over three summers.