Australia recall Nic Maddinson to Durban Test squad after cancer recovery

Australia have recalled Nic Maddinson to their touring squad for the first Test against South Africa in Durban, which starts on Friday, 9 October, after the New South Wales batter recovered from testicular cancer. Uncapped Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper was added at the same time as cover for Josh Inglis, who will miss the series opener with a finger injury.

Maddinson, 34, played three Tests for Australia in late 2016 and was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2025 that had spread to his lung and lymph nodes. He completed a course of chemotherapy in July 2025 and was given the all-clear to resume his career eight weeks after his final round of treatment. He has not played first-class cricket since his diagnosis but made five appearances in last season's Big Bash League. On Sunday he scored 126 for New South Wales against Victoria in Australia's domestic one-day competition.

Harper, 29, made 128 for Australia A against India A in the ongoing unofficial Test in Puducherry this week and scored 677 runs in the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season. He is an uncapped wicketkeeper from Victoria. Maddinson and Harper come into contention for selection for the first game in the three-match series. "Sam give us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order," said Australia chair of selectors George Bailey.

All-rounder Cameron Green is a doubt for the first Test after sustaining a lower abdominal strain while batting in the last of the three ODIs that preceded the red-ball series. Initial scans on Josh Inglis confirmed a fracture of his right index finger, with the injury to be monitored before a possible return for the second Test in Gqeberha. Inglis will miss the series opener as a result of the finger injury.

South Africa (preliminary): Temba Bavuma (capt), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.

Australia: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

Both Maddinson and Harper are available for selection for the first Test in Durban on Friday, 9 October. The match is the opening fixture of the three-match series.