Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have been incorporated into the 18-man squad of Australia for the three-match Test series against South Africa, which commences in Durban on October 9. The team is preparing for the opening Test at Kingsmead, and the additions were confirmed on Thursday, October 1.
Nic Maddinson‘s inclusion signifies a substantial return to international cricket. The 34-year-old has not played for Australia’s red-ball side in nearly a decade, with his most recent appearance in the baggy green being during the 2016 Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
In April 2025, Maddinson encountered a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and surgery, and the cancer progressed to his lymph nodes and lungs. In July 2025, he completed his chemotherapy course and was granted permission to resume his cricket career eight weeks following the conclusion of his final treatment.
Maddinson’s return following nearly a decade of absence
The selectors have also been intrigued by Maddinson’s recent performance. He demonstrated his capacity to make a significant contribution to competitive cricket by scoring a match-winning 126 from 127 deliveries in New South Wales’ most recent ODI against Victoria.
Harper has been included as a wicketkeeping cover.
Harper, who is 29 years old, has been incorporated to offer backup wicketkeeping options. Harper amassed 677 runs in the domestic competition during the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season. He recently exhibited his form by scoring 128 points for Australia A in a match against India A in Puducherry. Harper has amassed 2,802 runs at an average of 27.20 in 68 first-class games for Australia, including five centuries and 10 half-centuries.
According to the initial scans, Inglis has recently suffered a fracture in his right index finger. The injury is currently being monitored in anticipation of a potential return for the second Test in Gqeberha.
Cameron Green’s availability for the initial Test is uncertain due to the lower abdominal strain he suffered while batting in Australia’s final one-day international against South Africa.
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Three venues will host the three-match series. The first Test will be held in Durban from October 9 to 13, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha from October 18 to 22, and the third Test in Johannesburg from October 27 to 31. Australia is currently in the lead of the World Test Championship standings, with South Africa, the reigning champions, in second place.
Australia squad : Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (second Test onwards), Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
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