Australia’s leading left-arm spinner Kuhnemann is now pain-free after using a ball in his off-hand for Brisbane Heat earlier this month. He rejoined the team in Sri Lanka at the weekend and completed the first full Sunday afternoon session since arriving on the island for the two-match series.
Stand-in captain Smith, who suffered a minor elbow injury in the BBL, spent as much time batting in the nets as anyone else and didn’t seem hampered.
Apparently in preparation for the turning conditions, Allrounder Beau Webster launched the right-arm stage before his run instead of the jogged medium pace on test debut at the SCG earlier this month.
Kuhnemann continues to wear a brace on his right thumb and will be monitored by medical staff. His injury looked more serious than Smith’s, but Kuhnemann feels fit ahead of the first test starting on January 29.
“I had a couple of sessions at home and obviously I was cautious batting and bowling and everything but bowling, I haven’t had any problems,” Kuhnemann said before the first training session. “I did the same thumb a couple of years ago and it was really painful, but this one has been fine from the beginning.”
While awaiting surgery, Kuhnemann said he was unsure if he would get the chance to add to his three Test caps in Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old was a late call-up when Australia toured India in 2023, and the lack of subcontinental visits since then had robbed him of more opportunities.
“There were definitely times when I was disappointed. It’s not a great time,” Kuhnemann said when asked if he feared for his ability to tour. “There were a couple of hours. But I think everything happens for a reason and you just keep going. Obviously you do everything you can because these tours don’t come around very often like roulette.”
Kuhnemann was unable to attend the team’s preparatory camp at the ICC Academy in Dubai, but achieved success with an Australia XI cricket against the England Lions at Allan Border Field last week.
“The boys said I didn’t miss too much and what I was playing in Brisbane was an eight-wicket, so it worked out pretty well,” Kuhnemann said. “If it was the off-season then maybe it would be a blow for Miss Dubai, but it’s the middle of summer and workloads and confidence are high. Everything is fine.”
