Kuhnemann delighted with key wickets in Perth win

Perth, 19 October 2025:

Matthew Kuhnemann said it was a “special feeling” to play a decisive role in Australia’s seven-wicket win over India in the rain-affected first match at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

“It’s been a long wait for this moment,” Kuhnemann said after taking two wickets in the shortened contest. “With all the rain breaks, I wasn’t sure if I’d even get to bowl, but I was glad to get the chance toward the end. I’ve spent a lot of time with this group, especially around the T20 setup over the past six months and the work I’ve done in that format really helped today.”

Kuhnemann said he’s relished learning from senior spinner Ashton Agar and assistant coach Daniel Vettori. “Even though it was a one-day game, you’ve got to be ready to bowl at any stage, from one to twenty, especially as a finger spinner,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from ‘Xantch’ (he’s been a brilliant bowler for this team for a long time) and from Vettori as well.”

On the conditions, Kuhnemann said the Perth surface lived up to its reputation. “It was a typical Perth wicket: fast and bouncy. That’s why Starc and Hazlewood got so much out of it early on,” he said.

The Queensland spinner described the stop-start nature of the match as “one of the more bizarre games” he has played. “It felt like we were out there for six or seven hours even though it was just 26 overs,” he said. “That’s cricket for you.”

Kuhnemann praised skipper Mitchell Marsh for his composure in the chase. “It was a really mature innings from Mitch, a proper captain’s knock,” he said. “It wasn’t easy out there early, but he showed great control.”

He also lauded fellow Queenslander Matt Renshaw, who made his ODI debut and finished unbeaten in the chase. “Really special for Matt and his family,” Kuhnemann said. “He’s worked hard to adapt his game in this format, and he deserved his chance. It was fitting that he hit the winning runs.”

Looking ahead, Kuhnemann expects a strong response from India. “They’re a world-class side,” he said. “It’s going to be a great series with the ODIs and T20Is. We’ll need to stay consistent.”

As for his own role, Kuhnemann said he’s happy to contribute whenever called upon. “You never know when the conditions might suit two spinners,” he said. “I just try to be ready, keep learning, and enjoy every chance to play for Australia.”