Australia Bats 1st in Opening Cricket Test Against South Africa
- On Friday, October 9, 2026, Nic Maddinson returned to Australia's Test side at Kingsmead in Durban, opening the batting against South Africa after a 10-year absence from the international format.
- Following injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, selectors added Maddinson and Victorian keeper-batter Sam Harper to the touring party last week, bypassing candidates like Cooper Connolly.
- Former Australia opener Phil Jaques told ABC the decision 'just doesn't make much sense to me,' while Aussie great Brendan Julian called the selection a 'massive surprise.'
- Australia won the toss and elected to bat, moving Matt Renshaw to number five while throwing Maddinson into the deep end against express pacer Anrich Nortje.
- This three-test series against South Africa remains crucial for both teams, as they currently sit atop the table with sights set on the 2027 World Test Championship.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Nic Maddinson creates unwanted record for longest duck by a Test opener in 21st century
Nic Maddinson's return to Test cricket after nearly a decade began poorly with a 33-ball duck. He set a new record for the longest innings without scoring by a Test opener in the 21st century. Matthews Hayden criticized his selection, highlighting concerns over the standards of players being chosen. Australia faced early challenges after Travis Head was dismissed cheaply following Maddinson's failure.
Who is Nic Maddinson? Australian beats cancer to make national team return after 10 years during SA vs AUS 1st Test
Nic Maddinson has not played any first-class cricket since March 2025. He was recently named the captain of New South Wales for the 2026/27 Sheffield Shield season.
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Australian cricketer Nic Maddinson makes a remarkable Test comeback against South Africa today, October 9, 2026, in Durban. The 34-year-old opener returns to international cricket nearly a decade after his last Test and following a brave battle with testicular cancer, inspiring fans with his resilience. 🏏 Who is Nic Maddinson? Know About Australian Opener Making Test Comeback After Battle With Testicular Cancer.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Australian batter handed first Test start in 10 years after recovery from cancer
The Courier
Maddinson returns as Australia bat first in Durban
Australia have won the toss and will bat first in the opening Test against South Africa in Durban,...
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