Nic Maddinson and uncapped keeper Sam Harper have been called into Australia's Test squad in South Africa, with Cameron Green a doubt for the Durban opener and Josh Inglis ruled out with a fractured finger. It is a remarkable recall for Maddinson, who has not played first-class cricket since chemotherapy last year.
Australia have called Nic Maddinson and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper into their Test squad in South Africa after a double injury blow. Cameron Green is a doubt for the opening Test in Durban with an abdominal injury suffered in the final ODI on Wednesday, while Josh Inglis has been officially ruled out with a fractured finger.
| Squad shuffle | |
|---|---|
| In (batting cover) | Nic Maddinson |
| In (keeping cover) | Sam Harper, uncapped |
| Doubt | Cameron Green (abdominal injury) |
| Ruled out | Josh Inglis (fractured finger) |
| Cleared | Matt Renshaw (wrist blow in final ODI) |
| First Test | Kingsmead, Durban, 9-13 October |
Chair of selectors George Bailey said: "Sam gives us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order." Inglis could still return to the tour, with his fractured finger to be further assessed ahead of the second Test in Gqeberha.
Why Maddinson is the story
Maddinson has played only three Tests, against South Africa and Pakistan in 2016, and his career took a very different turn last year when he was treated for testicular cancer. He has not played a first-class match since undergoing chemotherapy in mid-2025. His comeback has been gradual: the BBL with Sydney Thunder, a second XI game for New South Wales in the 2025-26 season, the NSW Sheffield Shield captaincy last month, and then 126 against Victoria in the One-Day Cup last week. Now, ten years after his first Test call-up, he is back in an Australian squad on tour.
What it means for the series
Harper joins the touring party from the Australia A series in India, where he made a century in the second unofficial Test in Puducherry on 29 September, his sixth first-class hundred. The tour ramps up quickly: a warm-up in Potchefstroom on 3-4 October, then the first Test in Durban from 9 October, the second in Gqeberha from 18 October, and the third in Cape Town from 27 October.
Green's abdominal injury leaves a hole in Australia's middle order and their fifth-bowling option, and Renshaw's clearance at least spares them a third change. ESPNcricinfo notes the story is still developing, so expect the XI picture to sharpen once the squad reaches Potchefstroom.
Pick your own touring party
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