Nic Maddinson recalled by Australia after cancer recovery

Australia have recalled Nic Maddinson to their Test squad following his recovery from testicular cancer, with the New South Wales batter joining the touring party in South Africa. According to BBC Sport, Maddinson and uncapped Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper have been brought in as cover for Josh Inglis, who will miss the opening Test because of a finger injury.

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Maddinson, 34, played three Tests for Australia in late 2016. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2025, with the disease having spread to his lung and lymph nodes. His chemotherapy ended in July that year, and he received clearance to resume his cricket career eight weeks after the final round of treatment.

The recall follows a century in domestic limited-overs cricket. Maddinson scored 126 for New South Wales against Victoria on Sunday, having also made five appearances in last season's Big Bash League. He has not played first-class cricket since his diagnosis, BBC Sport reported, so his recent return to competition has not yet included a match in the longer format.

Harper, 29, arrives with recent runs in red-ball cricket. He scored 128 for Australia A against India A in the unofficial Test being played in Puducherry this week, after accumulating 677 runs during the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season. Australia chair of selectors George Bailey said Harper would provide wicketkeeping cover during Inglis's recovery, while Maddinson offered options at different positions in the batting order.

Inglis's absence from the opener follows scans that confirmed a fracture in his right index finger. His injury will continue to be monitored before a possible return for the second Test in Gqeberha. All-rounder Cameron Green is also doubtful for the first Test after suffering a lower abdominal strain while batting in the last of the three one-day internationals preceding the Test series.

The three-match Test series begins in Durban on Friday, 9 October. Both Maddinson and Harper are in contention for that opening fixture, but their additions to the squad do not confirm places in the playing XI. Pat Cummins captains an Australia squad that also includes wicketkeeper Alex Carey.