Australia set for new opener as Maddinson and Harper released ahead of Cape Town decider
Maddinson and Harper have been released from Australia's squad ahead of the series-deciding Test in Cape Town.
Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have both been dropped from Australia's squad for the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, scheduled from October 27 to 31 with a 7:30pm AEDT start. The series stands at 1-1 after Australia won the opener by 214 runs and South Africa replied with an innings-and-31-run win. Matthew Renshaw is now the frontrunner to partner the other opener, while Cameron Green and Josh Inglis return from injury and create fresh selection questions.
Maddinson, 34, reached double figures only once in his four innings since the recall and has been sent back to New South Wales for their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania in Hobart. Harper's role as cover for Alex Carey ended once Inglis recovered from his broken finger, so he will rejoin Victoria for their match against Queensland at the Gabba. Steve Smith will have a fitness check on his neck before the game, and the returning players add pressure on Marnus Labuschagne's place.
CricHubb Take
The series sits at 1-1 because the second Test exposed Australia's middle-order depth. Releasing the opener who could not convert starts is the clearest admission that the problem is not just at the top.