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‘Massive surprise’: Greats shocked by ‘controversial’ gamble as stunning Test return confirmed

Nic Maddinson was already a controversial inclusion in Australia’s Test squad, but now he has been named to open the batting in the first Test against South Africa.

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 7:50 AM
‘Massive surprise’: Greats shocked by ‘controversial’ gamble as stunning Test return confirmed
Key Things to Know
  • Nic Maddinson was dismissed for a 33-ball duck in his return to Test cricket against South Africa.
  • Maddinson's 49-minute innings marked the third-longest duck by an opener in Test history.
  • His selection ended an Australian-record 90-Test absence dating back to 2016.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Nic Maddinson suffered a 33-ball duck against South Africa in Durban after earning a surprise recall to Australia's Test team. Opening the batting alongside Travis Head, Maddinson spent 49 minutes at the crease without scoring before being bowled by Marco Jansen. The innings marked the third-longest duck by an opening batter in Test history.

Maddinson made his return after last playing Test cricket in 2016, breaking the Australian record by missing 90 consecutive Tests between appearances. The selection came just over a year after his cancer diagnosis, with Australian captain Pat Cummins defending the veteran batter's recall despite commentators criticizing his nervous technique.

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