Australia have recalled Nic Maddinson for the first Test against South Africa after the New South Wales batter recovered from testicular cancer. Maddinson and uncapped Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper have been added to the touring squad as cover for Josh Inglis, who will miss the series opener with a finger injury.
The 34-year-old Maddinson, who played three Tests for Australia in late 2016, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which spread to his lung and lymph nodes, in April 2025. 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 he made five appearances in last season's Big Bash League and scored 126 for New South Wales against Victoria on Sunday 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.
"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 he sustained a lower abdominal strain. The first Test starts in Durban on Friday, 9 October.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing