Nic Maddinson, absent from first-class games for 19 months, has been called up to the Australian squad for their tour of South Africa. This selection comes despite him not playing in the Sheffield Shield last season, as he was successfully treated for testicular cancer in 2025. Maddinson, who last earned caps in 2016, joins the team amid injuries to Josh Inglis and Cameron Green.
George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors, responded to the surprise surrounding Maddinson’s selection. He said, “It’s a pretty unique set of circumstances that he hasn’t been playing first-class cricket. Which I think, in itself, is a pretty cool story, and [it’s] great to see him back playing.” He further explained that Maddinson has endured bad luck, including an ACL injury and a broken arm, but has remained in contention for national selection.
Some state cricket figures were shocked by Maddinson’s inclusion. Bailey admitted that the first call to Maddinson was to inform him of his selection, prompting a quick return to his home to prepare for the tour. “His elevation this year to the New South Wales captaincy says a lot about the person and how highly he’s regarded,” Bailey stated.
The absence of Inglis, due to a fractured finger, left selectors needing additional batters and backup keepers. Sam Harper was chosen primarily for the latter, while Maddinson was considered for his flexibility. Concerns over Cameron Green’s fitness and Matt Renshaw’s wrist scare increased the need for adaptable players. “The challenge for people is to get past what he [Maddinson] has had to go through in the last 12 or 18 months,” Bailey noted.
Historically, Maddinson has averaged 52.37 in the Sheffield Shield from December 2018 to March 2024. Post-treatment, his average dropped, yet Bailey expressed confidence in Maddinson’s readiness for Test cricket. “He’s prepped for it, [and] has been back at New South Wales this year, full-time, ready to go,” Bailey assured.
Maddinson’s ability to handle spin could be crucial in Durban, where Australia struggled with such pitches in the ODI series. “Nic is a strong player, a very strong player, of spin,” Bailey commented.
Kurtis Patterson was another option for the squad, but the selectors found Maddinson’s versatility more valuable. Had Mitchell Marsh been available, he might have been considered despite retiring from first-class cricket. Bailey highlighted that the Australia A tour served dual purposes: preparing for future India games and understanding subcontinental challenges.
Should Green miss the first Test, Maddinson might need further lineup changes to feature in the XI. Cooper Connolly remains the likely middle-order replacement. Green’s abdominal injury, sustained from a unique incident in the ODI, leaves the medical team searching for comparable cases to determine his recovery time. Bailey revealed that Green’s bowling was already limited due to a shoulder issue carried during recent Test matches.
Inglis will have another scan next week, potentially rejoining the squad for the second Test. Maddinson may arrive directly in Durban, while Harper is expected to join in Potchefstroom for a warm-up match against the CSA Invitational XI before the Tests. Bailey confirmed this match would accommodate visitor terms, with workload management a priority for Australian bowlers.
