Australia call up Matthew Kuhnemann for India Tests

Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been drafted into the Australia side for the Test series against India as replacement for his Queensland teammate Mitchell Swepson, who is heading home to Brisbane for the birth of his first child. Leg-spinner Swepson was overlooked for the first Test that Australia lost by an innings and 132 runs in Nagpur inside three days.

Kuhnemann's inclusion in the side will now be alongside Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, who played in Nagpur and another left-arm spinner Ashton Agar. Kuhnemann could be drafted straight into the XI alongside Lyon and Murphy depending on the surface for the second Test in Delhi, starting February 17. If Cameron Green is fit enough to bowl, Australia could very well afford to play three spinners.

Australia will however be without Josh Hazlewood for the Test, but Mitchell Starc, could be in contention to stake claim to a place in the XI after missing the first Test due to injury. Moreover, Matt Renshaw who did not field during India's second innings too could be a concern for Australia. Regardless of whether Renshaw is fit for Delhi, there is certainly a case for Travis Head to return to the XI.

Kuhnemann made his debut for Australia in the ODI series against Sri Lanka last June. He has six wickets in the format from four matches. However, he has played 13 first-class matches since making his debut in 2021, and has picked up 35 wickets at 34.80.