New Delhi:<\/b> Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has shared a fresh perspective for the selectors ahead of the decisive final Test against South Africa, bringing in forgotten left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann into the selection debate as the visitors look to end the now-levelled series 2-1.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The team\u2019s call to go ahead with Scott Boland for the Gqeberha Test in place of the experienced Nathan Lyon did not sit well with fans and experts. While the spinner was dropped from the XI, Boland did make the most of the opportunity, picking up his third five-wicket haul and also contributing with the bat as a nightwatchman in the second innings after being enforced a follow-on. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, the game saw the visitors heading in without a frontline spinner, a shocking call which eventually resulted in the Proteas thrashing the Aussies by an innings and 31 runs. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the upcoming final Test in Cape Town now the talk of the town and a selection dilemma looming over the Australian management after their recent thumping, former opener Khawaja has suggested a name beyond Lyon, dubbing Kunhemann as a \u2018terrific\u2019 option against the South African lineup. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve talked about Boland and Lyon (in the second Test), and not once have people really mentioned Kuhnemann. He is a terrific bowler, a Test bowler. He has a Test five-fa, and done really well for Australia when he\u2019s played. He\u2019s been a terrific bowler for a while. With the South Africans having the majority of their players as right-handers, I\u2019m not really sure why people aren\u2019t bringing him into contention,\u201d Khawaja told foxsports.com.au.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a terrific bowler to keep things tight, much like what (Simon) Harmer did with our batsmen last game. I think the reason they picked Harmer last game was because we have so many left-handed batsmen. When the ball\u2019s spinning away, it\u2019s always slightly harder to score. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think Kuhnemann presents the same option, and when it\u2019s spinning too, he is a very, very good bowler. I know Nathan Lyon\u2019s the \u2018GOAT\u2019, and there\u2019s nothing against the GOAT! This is purely based on the fact the South Africans have so many right-handers in their team. I think Kuhnemann deserves to be talked about,\u201d Khawaja added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having played just five Tests for the baggy greens since his red-ball debut in 2023, Kunhemann emerged as a worthy left-arm orthodox option, picking up a five-wicket haul in just his second game in the format. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, he hasn\u2019t played the long-format game for the national side in over 1.5 years, with his most recent appearance being the Test against Sri Lanka in February 2025, where he finished the two-game series in Galle with 16 wickets. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A combination of Lyon and Kuhnemann in Australia\u2019s playing XI for the series decider appears improbable, although South Africa demonstrated the viability of a two-spinner approach by fielding Simon Harmer alongside left-arm veteran Keshav Maharaj in the opening Durban Test. Australia\u2019s bowling combination is just one of several selection dilemmas heading into Tuesday\u2019s encounter in Cape Town. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The selectors must also decide on Nic Maddinson\u2019s place at the top of the order, Marnus Labuschagne\u2019s role at No. 3 and the composition of the middle order, particularly with Cam Green nearing a return from injury. Maddinson appears most vulnerable as Australia weigh up their options, with Khawaja favouring a return to the middle order rather than continuing as an opener.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A combination of Lyon and Kuhnemann in Australia\u2019s playing XI for the series decider appears improbable, although South Africa demonstrated the viability of a two-spinner approach by fielding Simon Harmer alongside left-arm veteran Keshav Maharaj in the opening Durban Test. Australia\u2019s bowling combination is just one of several selection dilemmas heading into Tuesday\u2019s encounter in Cape Town. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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