Nic Maddinson marks his return to Test cricket by opening for Australia against South Africa in the first Test at Durban. After being sidelined since 2016, Maddinson, now 34, steps onto the international stage once again. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, opted to bat first after winning the toss under sunny skies, anticipating the Kingsmead pitch to become more spin-friendly as the game progresses.
Maddinson will be opening alongside Travis Head, with Matt Renshaw positioned at number five and Beau Webster coming in at seven. Despite not having played first-class cricket since March 2025, Maddinson’s inclusion follows his recent recovery from testicular cancer.
Unfortunately, left-arm spinning allrounder Cooper Connolly misses out due to a head cold. Meanwhile, Cameron Green, another key allrounder, is unavailable for the initial match due to an abdominal strain but has stayed in South Africa hoping to play in later Tests.
The series holds significant interest as it’s the first Test encounter between the two countries in South Africa since the infamous Sandpaper scandal in 2018. Historically, South Africa holds a formidable record, winning 13 of their last 14 Tests, including a memorable victory over Australia at Lord’s during the World Test Championship final. Their last Test appearance was in November 2025.
South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, had already confirmed his side, introducing a fresh attack devoid of the injured Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje returns, with spinner Simon Harmer assisting the frontline spinner, Keshav Maharaj. Notably, David Bedingham takes the number three spot, a new challenge as he typically bats lower down the order.
Australia has found success at Kingsmead, winning their previous three Tests here. Prior to their turbulent 2018 series, they had not lost a Test series in South Africa since the country’s readmission in the early ’90s.
Australia Line-up:
1. Travis Head, 2. Nic Maddinson, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steven Smith, 5. Matt Renshaw, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Beau Webster, 8. Pat Cummins (capt), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood
South Africa Line-up:
1. Aiden Markram, 2. Ryan Rickelton, 3. David Bedingham, 4. Temba Bavuma (capt), 5. Tristan Stubbs, 6. Wiann Mulder, 7. Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Simon Harmer, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Anrich Nortje
