Australia add Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper to South Africa Test squad

Australia added Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper to its Test squad on 1 October for the series opener against South Africa in Durban on 9 October. The additions follow a finger fracture that has ruled Josh Inglis out of the first Test, giving Maddinson a possible route back into the national side after treatment for testicular cancer. A squad place does not confirm that either new arrival will play.

Chief selector George Bailey said Harper gives Australia wicketkeeping cover during Inglis's recovery, while Maddinson offers flexibility across the batting order. The distinction matters: Harper has been brought in as a reserve wicketkeeper, while Maddinson has been described by Cricket Australia as a back-up batter. Their final roles depend on selection and the fitness of players already in the squad.

Why Australia called up Maddinson and Harper

Inglis fractured his right index finger during the one-day international series against South Africa. Scans confirmed the injury, and he will miss the Durban Test. His recovery is being monitored ahead of a possible return for the second match; the reports do not establish that he will be fit by then.

Australia also has a question over Cameron Green. He sustained a lower abdominal strain while batting in the third ODI at Potchefstroom. Cricket Australia reported that the team hoped he would be fit for the Test opener, but his availability had not been settled. That uncertainty could affect how selectors arrange the batting order, although no final XI has been announced.

Nic Maddinson's return after cancer treatment

Maddinson, 34, played three Tests for Australia in late 2016. His last appearance was the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan that year. Nearly a decade later, his call-up puts him back in contention, but it does not mean he has secured a place in the team or completed a Test comeback.

He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2025. BBC Sport reported that it had spread to his lung and lymph nodes. Cricket Australia reported that he underwent surgery and chemotherapy. According to the BBC, he completed chemotherapy in July 2025 and received clearance to resume his career eight weeks after his final treatment round. Those reported milestones describe his return to cricket; they do not establish any current medical prognosis.

His playing return has come in stages. Maddinson did not play first-class cricket during the 2025-26 season, but made five Big Bash League appearances for Sydney Thunder and played for a New South Wales Second XI. Cricket Australia reported in January that Maddinson had said he was in good health and would continue routine check-ups for two years.

A recent one-day innings then strengthened his case for a squad place. Maddinson scored 126 from 127 balls for New South Wales against Victoria in the One-Day Cup shortly before the call-up. Cricket Australia described it as his first one-day century in nine years. It was a substantial innings in the format, although it was not a first-class match or evidence that selectors have committed to playing him in the Test.

What happens before the Durban Test

Australia is due to play an intra-squad warm-up in Potchefstroom before travelling to Durban, according to the AAP report published by The Queenslander. The first of three Tests is scheduled to begin at Kingsmead on 9 October. The remaining selection decisions will turn on the squad's preparations and injury assessments; the reports establish neither Green's availability nor Maddinson's place in the XI.