Australia have recalled Nic Maddinson to the Test squad for the first time in eight years, drafting the left-hander and wicketkeeper Sam Harper as cover for the upcoming tour of South Africa. The additions arrive as the visitors manage injuries to key players Cameron Green and Josh Inglis ahead of the first Test in Durban on October 9.
Maddinson’s inclusion marks a return following a recovery from testicular cancer and a 20-month absence from first-class cricket. His last Test appearance was against Pakistan in December 2016. His recall to the national setup follows a period where he was sidelined for health reasons rather than a lack of domestic availability.
The selection follows two injury concerns during the white-ball leg of the tour. Cameron Green remains in doubt for the series opener after suffering a lower abdominal strain while batting in the third ODI in Potchefstroom on September 30. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the Durban Test with a fractured right index finger. His availability for the second Test in Gqeberha is yet to be determined.
Chief selector George Bailey addressed the decision to select Maddinson despite his limited recent Sheffield Shield appearances. “I don’t think you can view this one and say it’s disrespectful to state cricket because he hadn’t played last year – it’s not like (Maddinson) was sitting out because he said the wickets looked green or (too) challenging,” Bailey said.
Tactical considerations for the Durban surface influenced the recall. Maddinson averages 47.97 against spin, a specialty the selectors believe will be valuable on a pitch expected to offer turn. His ability to bat at the top or in the middle order provides coverage should Green be unable to play.
Sam Harper joins the squad from the Australia A tour in India. Harper recently scored 128 against India A in Puducherry, moving ahead of other candidates for the reserve wicketkeeping role. Bailey noted that “Sam gives us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order.”
In a positive development for the squad, Matt Renshaw has been cleared of structural damage to a wrist injury sustained while fielding in the final ODI and is expected to be available for selection.
The series involves the top two teams in the ICC World Test Championship standings, with Australia currently first and South Africa second. The Australian medical staff will continue to monitor whether Green can feature as a specialist batter if his abdominal strain prevents him from bowling in the series opener.
