Nic Maddinson makes Test return after a decade for Australia in Durban

Nic Maddinson made his return to Test cricket for Australia after nearly a decade, opening the batting against South Africa in the First Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on October 9, 2026. Maddinson, 34, last played Test cricket in late 2016 and was selected to open alongside Travis Head after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat.

The comeback follows Maddinson's recovery from testicular cancer, having completed chemotherapy in July 2025. Late withdrawals by Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly led selectors to recall Maddinson, who had not played first-class cricket for around 20 months. South Africa's lineup featured the return of Anrich Nortje, though the hosts were missing injured pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.