Last Updated on 15 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Australia have added Sam Harper and Nic Maddinson to their Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. Josh Inglis has been ruled out due to a fractured finger, while Cameron Green is in doubt for the first Test due to an abdominal injury.
Maddinson has made a courageous comeback to cricket following treatment for testicular cancer last year. “Once I found out I had to have chemo, that was pretty hard to deal with,” Maddinson told Nine in 2025. “It had spread to parts of my abdominal lymph nodes and lung. That was a bit where it was pretty daunting.”
Harper has enjoyed a strong year in First Class cricket. He has struck three centuries, including an excellent 128 off 223 balls for Australia A in their ongoing four-day match against India A in Puducherry.
Sam Harper offers wicketkeeping cover, Nic Maddinson batting flexibility – George Bailey
Chair of selectors George Bailey says both offer value to the Test squad in different ways. With Inglis ruled out, Harper serves as backup to Alex Carey, while Maddinson can bat in different positions.
“Sam gives us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order,” Bailey said, as quoted by Cricinfo.
In 2025, Maddinson said he would love to play Test cricket again, but conceded the opportunity may have gone. He hasn’t played a First Class since his treatment, but selectors have backed him following his 126 in the One Day Cup against Victoria last week.
“I would still love to play Test cricket again, but I’m more realistic,” Maddinson said. “The older you get, the less likely it is to happen. I had a really good opportunity last year and I just didn’t really grab it.”
Australia have struggled against spin in South Africa so far, and there is the chance that Durban will assist the spinners. This is where Sam Harper’s mindset could win him a spot in the XI.
“I think just not having or letting the spinners settle over here was a plan going into the game,” Harper said after stumps on day one of the second four-day match against India.
“So yeah, any time I felt like I could use my feet to get to the pitch of the ball, I was going to try and put them under pressure and get them off their length.”
Along with Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw left the field with an injury concern during the third ODI in Potchefstroom. He was struck on the wrist from a Ryan Rickelton pull shot, but reports suggest he will be ready to go for the first Test which begins on October 9.
