Matt’s stocks rising quickly
HE’S become a key cog in Queensland Cricket’s limitedovers set-up and Gold Coast spinner Matt Kuhnemann now hopes to use his soaring self-belief to make his mark in the longest form.
While the 23-year-old finished with the unflattering figures of 0-32 from four overs in Queensland’s four-wicket loss to Western Australia in Tuesday’s Marsh One-Day Cup final, the tournament signalled a coming of age for the leftarm offie.
After making four appearances in 2018-19, Kuhnemann featured in all eight games this season, capturing eight wickets at 45.37 while playing a crucial containment role.
In 13 List A outings, he now has 17 wickets at the respectable average of 34.41.
Having also featured in three Brisbane Heat matches in last season’s Big Bash League, he now hopes to challenge leg-spinner Mitch Swepson for a Bulls spot in their final five Sheffield Shield fixtures.
“I know what I have to do to get in there, just take wickets in Premier Cricket,” the former Australian under-19s star said.
“Just being part of playing with these (Queensland) boys is quite amazing. I’m quite happy with how it’s coming out and I’m learning each game.
“I know my role and the skipper (Jimmy Peirson) backs me so it’s always good fun playing.”
After taking 31 first grade wickets at 28.77 for Gold Coast last season, Kuhnemann has taken on extra responsibility as Dolphins captain in the new campaign.
It has done little to hamper his output, picking up 11 wickets at 33.82 and 103 runs at 20.60 in seven games so far, with figures of 2-59 from 23 overs helping the Dolphins dismiss Redlands for 224 last Saturday.
Together with Jack Hargreaves (13 not out), Kuhnemann (3 not out) will resume Gold Coast’s chase at 1-41 at Peter Burge Oval today.
“Everyone knows their role in the team and the longer we bat the easier it will get. (Redlands) have a good bowling attack so it will be tough but if we stick at it I’m confident we’ll be OK,” he said.
Victory would likely move the fifth-placed Dolphins into the top four, while defeat would send them tumbling back into the mid-table logjam.