Australia add Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper to squad for South Africa Tests

Australia have added Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper to their 18-man squad for the three-match Test series against South Africa, which begins on October 9 in Durban. The additions were confirmed on Thursday, October 1, as the team prepares for the opening Test at Kingsmead.

Maddinson’s inclusion marks a significant return to international cricket. The 34-year-old has not featured in Australia’s red-ball side for almost 10 years, with his last appearance in the baggy green coming during the 2016 Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.

Maddinson faced a major health challenge last year when he was battling testicular cancer in April 2025. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, with the cancer spreading to his lungs and lymph nodes. He completed his chemotherapy course in July 2025 and was given clearance to resume his cricket career eight weeks after his final treatment.

Maddinson’s return after nearly a decade away

Maddinson’s recent form has also caught the selectors’ attention. He scored a match-winning 126 from 127 balls in New South Wales’ most recent ODI against Victoria, showcasing his ability to contribute meaningfully in competitive cricket.

Harper added as wicketkeeping cover

Harper, aged 29, has been added to provide backup wicketkeeping options. In the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season, Harper scored 677 runs across the domestic competition. He recently demonstrated his form by scoring 128 for Australia A against India A in Puducherry. Across 68 first-class games for Australia, Harper has accumulated 2,802 runs at an average of 27.20, with five centuries and 10 half-centuries to his name.

“Sam gives us wicketkeeping cover as Josh (Inglis) continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order,” Chairman of selectors George Bailey was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Inglis recently sustained a fracture of his right index finger, as per the initial scans, and the injury is to be monitored before a possible return for the second Test in Gqeberha.

Cameron Green’s availability for the first Test remains uncertain after he sustained a lower abdominal strain while batting in Australia’s final ODI against South Africa. The three-match series will run across three venues. After the first Test in Durban from October 9 to 13, the second Test will take place in Gqeberha from October 18 to 22, followed by the third Test in Johannesburg from October 27 to 31. Australia currently lead the World Test Championship standings, with reigning champions South Africa in second place.

Australia squad for South Africa Tests (Updated): Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (second Test onwards), Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster