Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have joined Australia’s 18-man team for the three-match Test series against South Africa, which begins on October 9 in Durban. The additions were announced on Thursday, October 1, as the team prepared for the first Test at Kingsmead.
Nic Maddinson‘s inclusion is a notable return to international cricket. The 34-year-old has not played for Australia in nearly a decade, with his most recent appearance in the baggy green coming on Boxing Day 2016 against Pakistan.
Maddinson experienced a significant health issue last year, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2025. He underwent surgery and treatment, and the cancer had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes. He completed his chemotherapy treatment in July 2025 and was cleared to resume his cricket career eight weeks later.
Maddinson returns after nearly a decade away.
Maddinson’s recent performances have also piqued the selectors’ interest. He struck a match-winning 126 off 127 balls in New South Wales’ most recent ODI against Victoria, demonstrating his ability to make a significant contribution in competitive cricket.
Harper has been recruited as wicketkeeping cover.
Harper, 29, has been added to the roster as a backup wicketkeeper. Harper scored 677 runs in the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season. He recently showed off his form by scoring 128 for Australia A against India A in Puducherry. Harper has 2,802 runs at an average of 27.20 from 68 first-class games for Australia, including five centuries and ten half-centuries.
According to preliminary scans, Inglis suffered a fracture of his right index finger, which will be examined before he returns for the second Test at Gqeberha.
Cameron Green’s availability for the first Test is doubtful after he suffered a lower abdominal strain while batting in Australia’s final One-Day International against South Africa.
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The three-match series will take place at three different venues. Following the first Test in Durban on October 9-13, the second Test will be held in Gqeberha on October 18-22, followed by the third Test in Johannesburg on October 27-31. Australia presently leads the World Test Championship, with reigning champions South Africa in second position.
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
