Nic Maddinson returns to Australia Test squad 10 years after debut amid South Africa series

Nic Maddinson has been recalled to Australia's Test squad for the series against South Africa, 10 years after his debut. The 34-year-old has not played a first-class match since March 2025 and was preparing for club cricket when he received the call. He had been captaining New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield before illness interrupted his career.

Maddinson overcame testicular cancer after a final round of chemotherapy last year. He flew from Sydney to Byron Bay to collect his passport and Baggy Green before travelling to Johannesburg. If selected ahead of Cooper Connolly, Australia's XI would consist entirely of players aged 30 or above.

The first Test begins in Durban on Friday. South Africa will decide Kagiso Rabada's availability as late as possible after he returned from a hamstring injury.