However, Kuhneman’s recovery has been rapid and he is hopeful he can fly to Sri Lanka after bowling eight overs at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Thursday. Kuhneman also batted well in the face of heat and throwdowns from Queensland bowling coach Andy Bickell. He also took a few catches during the session, which was supervised by Heat’s team physio Adam Smith.
Speaking to reporters, Kuhneman said he was feeling good but he needed to consult with Australia’s medical staff in Dubai, where the team is conducting a pre-tour training camp, via conference call on Thursday evening. before they give him approval to join them as they fly to Sri Lanka. Lanka in the next few days.
“Nothing is official yet,” Kuhnman said. “I think this week it’s just been about ticking boxes every day, and so far it’s been pretty much based on the plan. I’m hoping so, but nothing has come to fruition yet. I’ll probably Will talk to the medical team in the afternoon. My bowling, batting and fielding have been excellent so far, so the only message I will give is that there is a slight difference in time zones and hopefully I can get there.
“I’m feeling really good, I’m really grateful with the way it’s progressed over the last week. It’s healed really well, and the surgery went excellent. So far, very fortunate and fortunate that I I am in a position to bowl and bat and catch a few balls so far, everything has gone according to plan, and there is not much pain now, and there is no pain in bowling and batting either.”
Kuhnman has had a plastic thumb splint to protect his right thumb and can wear it in games without needing to remove it because it is on his non-bowling hand. He has worn a similar bandage before and has also had a broken thumb. He is confident that if the ball is hit with force again, his thumb will be able to absorb any blow.
“This is my conversation with surgeons and doctors and it’s really stable now,” Kuhnman said. “It’s probably more stable than before. I’ve had my thumb broken before and now that I’ve had surgery on it, it’s probably in better shape.”
“I have played cricket with splints and I am very confident, it doesn’t affect my bowling or batting and fielding. If anything, I am probably more confident on the field because you have something on your finger.”
He said that if the ball comes towards him in the field then he will not have any fear. “No, not at all,” Kuhnman said. “It’s cricket in general. Balls have been hit at me very hard, and I’ve been fine. So it’s one of those weird incidents that it probably hit exactly where it was supposed to do some damage. “I’ve already caught some balls. Andy Bickel has already thrown some balls straight to me, so it’s no problem.”
Even if he is cleared to join the team, a decision will still have to be made regarding his fitness to play. “I think everyone will have a chance to have their say,” Kuhnman said. “I think it would be a good discussion.
“I guess I’ll just be honest with them. So far, it’s tracking really well, so I’m confident. But obviously there are some protocols you have to go through.”
Alex Malcolm is associate editor at ESPNcricinfo
