Matthew Hayden slams Australia selectors over Test inclusions for South Africa tour

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has strongly criticised the national selectors for their Test squad inclusions ahead of the three-match Test series against South Africa, which is due to begin on October 9.

Hayden expressed deep frustration over the recall of Nic Maddinson and the inclusion of Sam Harper, arguing that Australia’s Test candidates should be players averaging 45 runs or above in first-class cricket. He also took aim at selection chief George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, saying they were ‘dreaming’ if they believed a batter averaging in the mid-30s could suddenly produce a significantly higher average at Test level.

“Where we are at is that we are promoting the greatest pile of mediocrity that we’ve seen in a generation of cricket. You should be picking guys that are averaging 45 runs or more, and you can’t, because they don’t want to play,” Hayden said on the All Over the Bar Podcast.

Why has Nic Maddinson’s recall divided opinion?

Maddinson’s return to the Test squad has attracted considerable attention given how long he has been away from the red-ball format. The 34-year-old last appeared in an Australian Test during the 2016-17 home season, where he scored just 27 runs across three matches. He has not featured in any first-class match since early 2025.

His inclusion came after Josh Inglis suffered a finger fracture and Cameron Green sustained an abdominal injury. Green remains doubtful for the first Test. Selection chief George Bailey defended the decision, saying Maddinson would be the best fit for the conditions in Durban and would bring variety to Australia’s batting lineup. Hayden, however, felt the selection sent the wrong message to domestic players. He accused the selectors of “disrespecting first-class cricket.

“And you are piling up this dog s*** explanation, and you are, in my opinion, disrespecting first class cricket. Absolutely dead set you are,” Hayden said.

What is the concern over Sam Harper’s inclusion?

Harper‘s place in the squad has also drawn scrutiny. Harper was recalled following strong form, which included a century for Australia A during their tour of India. His performances placed him in contention for a Test debut.

Hayden questioned the broader selection approach that led to Harper’s call-up, suggesting the process lacked the standards expected at Test level. Hayden’s overall concern was that the selectors were not holding domestic cricket in sufficient regard when making Test selections, and that players who consistently performed at the Shield level were being overlooked in favour of those with limited recent red-ball exposure.