Last Updated on 10 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Nic Maddinson is in line to make a stunning return to Test cricket. According to reports, it is a tight call between he and Cooper Connolly to play as Cameron Green’s replacement after the all-rounder was ruled out due to an abdominal strain.
However, according to CODE Sports’ Daniel Cherny, Connolly left training on match eve in a separate vehicle to his teammates, while wearing a mask due to cold symptoms.
Nic Maddinson a chance to return to Test cricket as Australia will finalise their XI on matchday
Cherny reported that Connolly did not look ill during training, but still left in a mini-van wearing a mask as the rest of the group left in a bus. It is believed the 23-year-old has a head cold.
It remains to be seen how Connolly progresses overnight and Friday morning. The Test will be played in warm conditions throughout, so that could be a consideration as well in the final make-up of the XI.
If Connolly doesn’t play, it opens the door for Maddinson’s return. The left-hander last played a Test in 2016 and has not played a First Class match in 19 months. His last few years have been marred by injury plus the devastating news of his cancer diagnosis. He has overcome those and now has fresh perspective on life.
“Probably still in shock for most of it,” Maddinson said of George Bailey’s phone call, as quoted by Cricinfo. “But tried not to get too far ahead of myself and didn’t think too much about what the possibility might be.
“I feel like the balance in my life is in a really good place with family and where cricket sits amongst that as well. I wasn’t too nervous about coming into this environment this time around.
“That probably speaks a bit about the players involved and the coaches. Coming here wasn’t something that was too daunting. Excited to come back, as surprising as it is, [and] to make the most of this experience.”
South Africa announced their XI on match eve, selecting both Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. Given Maddinson was selected mainly due to his ability against spin, there is every chance the 34-year-old features on Friday.
However, Australia will make their decision on the day of the Test after having one more look at the pitch.
“We don’t have a team at this stage. Selectors will come down here, we just want to have one more look at the ground. We’re pretty confident we’ve got an XI. But selectors just wanted one more day,” said captain Pat Cummins.
“Like any Test match, you’ve got to be ready for everything. A lot of our prep work has been talking about those challenges. You know, it might be different tempos within each from session to session, either. So we’ve just got to make sure we match that.”
