Durham had hoped to bring in Murphy for the first part of the summer but the offspinner’s availability was blocked by Cricket Australia, with the expectation that he will be part of their Ashes squad. Durham’s director of cricket, the former Australia international Marcus North, said the club still intended to call on Murphy for the latter part of the season.
Kuhnemann, 26, made his Test debut alongside Murphy and Nathan Lyon in India last month, going on to claim nine wickets in three appearances, including a maiden five-for in Australia’s victory in Indore.
“We are very excited to have secured another exciting young spin talent in Matthew Kuhnemann,” North said. “Matt impressed in India for Australia and is in a great place with his game, we are really looking forward to him joining us next week and seeing him perform in the County Championship.
“We were keen to bring in a spinner that will enable us to further strengthen and balance our Championship side and with the signing of Matt, that now helps us to be effective in all conditions.
“We are obviously disappointed that Todd Murphy will not be joining as in the early part of the season as planned, but we look forward to welcoming him to the club later in the summer.”
Kuhnemann, who was already due to play club cricket in the UK, only made his first-class debut for Queensland in 2021 but has had plenty of Big Bash experience with Brisbane Heat as well as being capped four times in ODIs.
“I’m really excited to be joining Durham for the upcoming county season,” Kuhnemann said. “I look forward to playing with some world class players and contributing to some wins for the club throughout the summer. I can’t wait to get over there and meet everyone.”