Kuhnemann shines for dismal Dolphins
SPINNER Matt Kuhnemann is staking his claim for a promotion up the order after again showing the Gold Coast batsmen how it’s done.
The Dolphins slumped to a five-wicket loss to Toombul on Saturday, which will almost certainly rule the club out of the Queensland Premier Cricket one-day finals series for a fourth straight season.
Gold Coast’s only mathematical chance is if they score a bonus point win against Valleys in the final one-day round on December 16 and hope the match between South Brisbane and Sunshine Coast is either tied or washed out.
The Dolphins slumped to 6-90 batting first at Ken Mackay Oval before recovering to a still below-par 9-223. The hosts reached victory with 38 balls to spare.
Coach Damian Wallis said it was “disappointing” to witness another batting collapse.
With Michael Neser (Queensland) and Max Bryant (Cricket Australia XI) soon to depart for JLT OneDay Cup duties and talented opener Oscar Richardson in a form rut, changes are on the horizon.
Kuhnemann has put in a considerable case for a crack up the order, boasting an average of 156 through the opening five rounds.
The 21-year-old was the driving force behind Gold Coast’s fightback against Toombul, crafting an unbeaten 59 off 64 balls from No.9 to back up his 49 against Norths six days earlier.
Wallis said the team must get off to better starts but praised Kuhnemann, who after playing five state second XI matches last season is knocking on the door for a Sheffield Shield call-up.
The left-armer has also had success with the ball this season, taking nine wickets at an average of 23.89.
“We’ve been five for less than 100 in four out of the five games,” Wallis said.
“Kuhni is batting at nine and he is averaging over 100 as he keeps telling us but he is showing the batsmen how to do it. He is putting a price on his wicket … he knows his batting is a big part for him to push to the next level as well.
“As a finger spinner he needs to be able to bat so he’s going along nicely.
“Potentially, he could end up batting somewhere higher up.”
Josh Nelson is in line to be recalled for the two-dayer against Valleys after hitting 70 not out in second grade.
Captaining Toombul, Australian opener Matt Renshaw scored 40 and took 2-28 from his 10 overs of off-spin.