The Tasmanian Tigers can announce the double signing of Queensland duo, Matthew Kuhnemann and Will Prestwidge ahead of the 2024/25 Tigers season.
The talented left-arm orthodox spinner, and right-arm fast bowler will be making the journey down to the Apple Isle after strong performances in the white-ball format of the game in Queensland.
“I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity from Tasmania to join their talented squad.
“I’m excited to get down there, challenge myself, and help contribute to winning games and competitions for Tasmania,” stated Kuhnemann.
Kuhnemann joins Tasmania after representing his home state of Queensland since 2017 in 50-over matches and debuting in the Marsh Sheffield Shield in 2021 against the Tigers.
His left-arm spin provided him with an opportunity to represent his country, wearing the baggy green on three occasions in 2023 against India which included 5/16 in the first innings in his 2nd test.
He was also selected in the Australian One Day International side against Sri Lanka in 2022 taking six wickets in his four matches which included three 2-wicket hauls.
Kuhnemann has also seen great success in the T20 format, playing 47 matches for the Brisbane Heat since his debut during the 2018/19 Big Bash League season.
He has taken 37 wickets at an average of 27.59 with best figures of 3/17.
Salliann Beams, General Manager of High-Performance at Cricket Tasmania discussed her excitement in bringing Kuhnemann down to Tasmania.
"We are excited to have a player of Matt’s calibre join the Tigers, and believe he will play a key role us in the white-ball format of the game."
“His left-arm orthodox bowling craft will provide us with a different option to our bowling line-up, and someone who has had success for Australia, and on a national stage in the BBL,” explained Beams.
Will Prestwidge comes to Tasmania with strong cricketing pedigree, with his father Scott, brother Jack, and sister Georgia all having played professional cricket for Queensland.
At only 22 years of age, Prestwidge is seen to have lots of potential with his right-arm fast bowling, playing for the maroons in two Marsh One Day Cup over the past few seasons.
Prestwidge is looking forward to challenge of moving to a new state.
“I am excited to be continuing my development as a cricketer in Tasmania.
“I’ve been told that the conditions have been suitable for pace bowling, so I am looking forward to taking wickets for the Tigers.” Explained Prestwidge.
Prestwidge has also seen success in the Big Bash for the Brisbane Heat, taking 2/37 against the Hobart Hurricanes dismissing Tigers teammate, Caleb Jewell early in the innings.
In the same game, he bombed two huge sixes off Nathan Ellis, showing cricket fans that even in his second game of BBL cricket, he was not afraid of the moment.
Prestwidge had a strong season for Northern Suburbs in the Queensland Premier Cricket competition, taking 29 wickets for the season to go with a 130 not out in a two-day match.
Salliann Beams discussed her delight in seeing another young fast bowler move to Tasmania.
“Will is a player that we believe can develop his talent and raw pace in Tasmania, we have seen many pace bowlers move to Tasmania and have great success on Blundstone wickets.”
Kuhnemann and Prestwidge will join their Tasmanian teammates in June, when the Tigers return for their pre-season training.