‘Not once did people really mention Matt Kuhnemann’: Usman Khawaja on Australia’s Test selection dilemma

Former Australian spinner Usman Khawaja has urged the selectors to consider left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann for the crucial final Test against South Africa in Cape Town.With the series now level at 2-1, Australia need to get their team selection straight after suffering a heavy defeat in the previous match.Australia dropped veteran spinner Nathan Lyon from the Gqeberha Test and picked fast bowler Scott Boland in his place. Boland did well, taking five wickets, but Australia’s decision to play without a frontline spinner backfired as South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs.

Khawaja backs Kuhnemann in final Test

Khawaja believes Kuhnemann deserves a chance, especially as South Africa have several right-handed batsmen. The left-arm spinner has played five Tests and has already taken five wickets. Although he has not played a Test since February 2025, he impressed during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, ending the two-match series with 16 wickets.“We talked about Boland and Lyon (in the second Test) and not once did people really mention Kuhnemann. He’s a great bowler, a Test bowler. He’s got a Test five and he’s done really well in Australia when he’s played,” Khawaja told foxsports.com.au.He explained that Kuhnemann could trouble the right-handed batsmen by spinning the ball away from them, much like South African spinner Simon Harmer troubled the Australian left-handers.“I know Nathan Lyon is the ‘GOAT’ and nothing against the GOAT! This is purely based on the fact that the South Africans have so many right-handers in their team. I think Kuhnemann deserves to be talked about,” added Khawaja.

Khawaja considers Australia’s batting options

Australia also face questions over their batting order ahead of the series decider. The selectors must decide whether Nic Maddinson should continue to open, where Marnus Labuschagne should bat and how to integrate Cam Green back into the team as he approaches his return from injury.Khawaja believes Maddinson could be more effective in the middle order where he can face the spin bowling rather than handle the difficult task of opening the innings.“No discredit to Nic Maddinson. I think Maddinson is brilliant. I’d actually put him in the middle order at the start of the series, purely on the basis of the fact that it’s such a difficult gap to fill,” concluded Khawaja.