Nic Maddinson has been recalled to Australia’s Test squad for the opening match of the South Africa series after recovering from testicular cancer, placing the 34-year-old back in contention for a first Test appearance in almost a decade.
Australia added Maddinson and wicketkeeper Sam Harper to their touring party after Josh Inglis was ruled out of the first Test with a fractured right index finger. The three-match series is scheduled to begin in Durban on 9 October.
Maddinson last played Test cricket in late 2016, having made three appearances for Australia. His selection is particularly notable because he has not played first-class cricket since being diagnosed with cancer in April 2025, although he has returned to competitive cricket in white-ball and second XI matches.
Cricket Australia reported that Maddinson had surgery and chemotherapy after tests found that the illness had spread beyond the initial tumour. He completed chemotherapy in July 2025 and was subsequently cleared to resume his career. The BBC reported that he was given the all-clear to return eight weeks after his final treatment.
His latest opportunity has emerged amid injury concerns in Australia’s batting group. Inglis is unavailable for the Durban Test, while all-rounder Cameron Green sustained a lower abdominal strain while batting in the third one-day international against South Africa. Cricket Australia said scans confirmed the strain, although the team remained hopeful that Green would be fit for the series opener.
Recent century strengthens Maddinson’s case
Maddinson arrives in South Africa after making 126 from 127 balls for New South Wales against Victoria in Australia’s domestic one-day competition. The BBC also reported the century, describing it as an innings made on Sunday.
That knock followed five Big Bash appearances for Sydney Thunder and a red-ball second XI outing after his treatment. Cricket Australia said he had not featured in Sheffield Shield cricket last season, but had nevertheless been appointed New South Wales captain for the current campaign.
The lack of recent first-class cricket makes Maddinson’s inclusion a selection of considerable uncertainty rather than a guarantee of a place in the XI. However, Bailey said Maddinson provides flexibility throughout the batting order, and Cricket Australia reported that he could come into consideration if Green is unavailable.
Australia chair of selectors George Bailey said Harper had been selected to provide wicketkeeping cover while Inglis continued his recovery, and said Maddinson gave the squad flexibility throughout the batting order. Alex Carey remains in the touring group, meaning Harper’s immediate role is likely to be as reserve wicketkeeper.
Maddinson’s recall appears more directly relevant to the first-Test batting balance. Cricket Australia said Maddinson and Cooper Connolly could come into consideration after Green’s abdominal strain, while Matthew Renshaw was cleared of damage after being struck on the right hand during the same ODI.
Injuries reshape Australia’s opening-Test options
Inglis’s finger injury has forced Australia to adjust their squad before the series begins. Initial scans confirmed a fracture, with his condition set to be monitored before a possible return for the second Test in Gqeberha, according to the BBC.
The first Test is followed by matches in Gqeberha from 18 October and Cape Town from 27 October. Australia’s squad is captained by Pat Cummins and includes Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Renshaw, Connolly and Beau Webster.
For Maddinson, the call-up is a major step after a prolonged absence from red-ball cricket and an illness that interrupted his career. Cricket Australia said Maddinson and Cooper Connolly could come into consideration after Green’s abdominal strain.
The decision also gives Australia a player with previous Test experience while Inglis is unavailable and Green’s fitness remains uncertain. His recent one-day century does not settle the question of his readiness for Test cricket, yet it gives the selectors current evidence of form as they prepare for the opening match.