Image Source: Twitter
Matthew Kuhnemann, a left-arm spinner, has been included in the Australian squad for the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy starting on February 17 in Delhi. He has a chance to fulfill his dream of making his debut for Australia as he fills in for his Queensland teammate, Mitchell Swepson, who will be leaving to be with his fiancée for the birth of their first child.
Despite not making the starting lineup for the first Test in Nagpur, which Australia lost by an innings and 132 runs in just three days, Swepson will be returning home to Brisbane to be with his pregnant fiancée. This move gives Kuhnemann an opportunity to step up and represent Australia in the crucial match as the team aims to level the four-match series.
The Australian cricket team is facing several injury concerns heading into the second Test match in New Delhi. The team is hoping that all-rounder Cameron Green, who missed the first Test due to a finger injury, will be fit to play. If he is able to play, the Australians may have the option to field a third spinner in addition to Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy.
Additionally, Matthew Renshaw, who was selected ahead of Travis Head, is dealing with a knee issue, adding further concern about Green's availability. On Saturday, after the conclusion of the first Test, Pat Cummins announced that Mitchell Starc would join the team in New Delhi for the upcoming match. Starc missed the first game of the series due to a finger injury. Josh Hazlewood will also be unavailable for the next game, according to the Australian captain.
Along with Ashton Agar, the inclusion of Matthew Kuhnemann in the team will provide another left-arm spin option for the Australians. Kuhnemann recently performed well in the Marsh Sheffield Shield, recording 2/55 in 21 overs and 1/67 in 23 overs.
The Australian cricket team is facing multiple injury concerns heading into the second Test match in New Delhi, with key players such as Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood all dealing with various issues. The team is hoping that Green will be fit to play and the inclusion of Matthew Kuhnemann will provide additional spin options.
Australia is seeking ways to bounce back in the series after suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test in Nagpur. On a spin-friendly surface, India exploited the Australian batsmen's struggle against spin to bowl them out for 91, the lowest score in India and the second-lowest ever for Australia.
With the victory, India is poised for a 3-0 win that would secure their place in the World Test Championships (WTC) Final to be held at The Oval in London from June 7, 2023
Give Your Feedback