Maddinson returns as Australia bat first in Durban

Scott Bailey |

Nic Maddinson is set to play his first Test in almost 10 years for Australia against South Africa.
Nic Maddinson is set to play his first Test in almost 10 years for Australia against South Africa.

Nic Maddinson will open after being recalled to Australia’s Test side for the first time in 10 years, after the tourists won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test against South Africa.

Maddinson on Friday beat out Cooper Connolly in the race to replace the injured Cameron Green, and has been listed to open alongside Travis Head in Durban.

That will leave Matt Renshaw batting at No.5, after opening in Australia’s last Test against Bangladesh in Mackay in August.

Nic Maddinson
Nic Maddinson played his last Test against Pakistan in December 2016. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia have now had three opening pairings in their past three Tests, following Jake Weatherald’s axing after the loss to Bangladesh in Darwin.

Maddinson’s call-up to the Test squad a week ago, after Josh Inglis fractured his finger, came as something of a shock.

The 34-year-old played three Tests in late 2016, but hasn’t appeared for Australia in red-ball cricket since.

The left-hander only overcome a battle with testicular cancer last year, and has not played a first-class match since March 2025.

His call-up was initially met with some criticism given Maddinson’s age, but Australia rate his ability to play spin.

There is also a thought there will be plenty of that on a Kingsmead wicket expected to become drier as the game goes on.

Cooper Connolly
Cooper Connolly has missed out on a chance to play a second Test for Australia. (AP PHOTO)

“We think he’s really settled with where his game is at,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said. 

“He has shown good form.”

South Africa are without spearhead quick Kagiso Rabada, who failed to overcome a hamstring injury.

The hosts picked two spinners, with Simon Harmer to partner Keshav Maharaj.

This series marks a clash between the world’s top-two ranked sides, and Australia’s first Tests in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

“We would have liked to have batted first,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said. 

Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma.
Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma will lead their countries in a three-Test series. (Susie Dodds/AAP PHOTOS)

“It looks a nice wicket. Weather is good as well. We’ll have to do the job with the ball.”

AUSTRALIA: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

SOUTH AFRICA: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickleton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verryenne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Andrich Nortje

AAP