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Australia Need to Handle Test Grind Better, Cummins Says
Maddinson’s return after 10 years ended in a 33-ball duck as Australia reached 3-84 at lunch after choosing to bat.
On Friday, Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat in Durban, selecting shock opener Nic Maddinson in his first Test since 2016 to face South Africa.
This series marks Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, when Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft faced year-long bans for altering the ball in Cape Town.
Maddinson struggled for a 33-ball duck before being bowled by Marco Jansen, South Africa bowler. Former opener Matthew Hayden labeled the recall "the greatest pile of mediocrity," though Travis Head defended mature players as essential for stability.
Wiaan Mulder, South Africa bowler, claimed two wickets as the hosts restricted Australia to 3-84 by lunch. Marnus Labuschagne fell lbw for 37, while Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 25.
Reigning World Test Championship winners South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 final and now defend their standing in this crucial three-match cycle affecting both teams' tournament positioning.