Australia batter Nic Maddinson endured a painful return to Test cricket on day one of the first Test in Durban, failing to score a run in 33 balls. The 34-year-old's recall is remarkable given that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which had spread to his lung and lymph nodes, in April 2025. He missed most of last year undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, and his only domestic matches since then have come in white-ball cricket. His duck is the longest by an Australian opener in Test history and the third-longest by any Test opener. He missed 13 of the balls he faced and edged one that crashed back onto his stumps. Had South Africa reviewed an lbw appeal on the 15th ball he faced, the decision of not out would have been overturned.
Maddinson's struggle also highlights a wider concern for Australia. By selecting him over 23-year-old Cooper Connolly, Australia fielded an entire XI aged over 30 for the first time in their history. By lunch on day one, Australia were 127-6, with only Matt Renshaw and 37-year-old Steve Smith left as frontline batters. Former opener Matthew Hayden criticised the selectors for "disrespecting first-class cricket" by picking Maddinson, while Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg defended the decision, saying the selectors have a firm view that he is a talent.
The pressure on the squad is intensifying. This Test is the third of a possible 21 before next summer's Ashes, a schedule that includes a four-Test home series against New Zealand, a five-Test tour of India, a possible World Test final and the latest contest with England. Australia's bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are all closer to the end of their careers than the beginning.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing