Steve O'Keefe slams 'failed system' as Matt Kuhnemann awaits testing

Steve O'Keefe has slammed the situation faced by Matt Kuhnemann, claiming the "system has failed" the Australian spinner.

In a bombshell development in the wake of Australia's 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka, the left-arm orthodox bowler was reported by match officials over a suspect action.

Kuhnemann starred for the visitors in Galle, taking 16 wickets at 17.18 for the series, but will now be forced to undergo a rigorous testing process to clear his action.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Bart Cummings' son kicked out of famous stables over $2 million

EAD MORE: Time running out for Warner heir to fulfil Ponting's prophecy

READ MORE: 'Fractured relationship' tested by big Broncos call

He will be permitted to play Sheffield Shield throughout the process, but it has left a sour taste in the mouth of O'Keefe, who played nine Tests in the baggy green.

Speaking on SEN Radio, he questioned how Kuhnemann could have played so many years without issue, while also denying he will have any problems passing the test.

Matthew Kuhnemann during the Sri Lanka series. Getty

"He's played over 100 professional games of cricket in front of match referees in the Big Bash and first-class cricket," O'Keefe said.

"He would have trained in front of coaches who would have seen his development over the years. I think it might be hyperextension, and I don't think he'll have any issues

"In this situation, it can be quite detrimental to the player and the welfare of Matt after a great series in Sri Lanka, he now has to go through this process which is horrible.

"It's really cold, you're on your own, they don't talk to you, they tape you up and then they test you with these degrees of action."

Kuhnemann won't be the only Aussie to undergo the testing process, with Chris Green banned for 90 days a number of years ago before rectifying his action and returning. Brett Lee's action was also scrutinised, along with Shoaib Akhtar's, when the pair was vying to be the fastest bowler in the world, sending down missiles around the 160 km/h mark.

Chris Green in action for the Sydney Thunder. Getty

However, according to O'Keefe, officials need to do more earlier in players careers to eradicate the chances of it backfiring on the international stage.

"I'm saying if we don't do this at an early age or identify players in the system with a potentially questionable action [it could get Australia in trouble]," O'Keefe said.

"We don't want it happening at the top end, imagine if we had a tour of India coming up and he's the dominant spinner - he'd be out of it.

"In my opinion, the system has failed and let him down, but I do believe there will be nothing to see here for Matt Kuhnemann ... I think he'll be okay."

Click here to read article