Australia release Maddinson and Harper ahead of Cape Town Test
Australia have released Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper ahead of the series-deciding Test in Cape Town.
Australia will field a new opening combination in the series-deciding third Test against South Africa after Nic Maddinson and back-up wicketkeeper Sam Harper were both released from the touring squad. The match is scheduled from October 27 to 31 at Newlands, Cape Town. Matthew Renshaw is now in line to take up the opening slot following Maddinson's removal. Harper had been kept on as cover for first-choice wicketkeeper Alex Carey after Josh Inglis sustained a broken finger. With Inglis now returning from that injury, Harper's presence as an understudy was no longer required. Steve Smith is set to undergo a fitness assessment on a troublesome neck at the team's match-eve training session. The returns of Cameron Green and Josh Inglis from injury add competition for places and place additional pressure on Marnus Labuschagne to secure his spot in the side.
CricHubb Take
Maddinson's recall lasted four innings. Renshaw now steps in with the series on the line, which is the clearest signal that the selectors value his prior experience over the gamble that did not pay off.