Nic Maddinson selected for first Test in 10 years against South Africa
The 34-year-old is set to open alongside Travis Head, with Matt Renshaw moving to number five. Australia won the toss and chose to bat.
Australia have picked Nic Maddinson for a Test return against South Africa, ending a 10-year absence from the side. The tourists elected to bat after winning the toss, with the NSW batter set to partner Travis Head at the top of the order.
Maddinson, 34, joined the touring squad alongside Victorian wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper following injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis. George Bailey’s selection panel chose Maddinson despite Cooper Connolly being considered a possible replacement for Green.
His previous Test appearance came against Pakistan on Boxing Day in 2016. He played three Tests that year before losing his place and has not appeared in first-class cricket since March 2025, after overcoming testicular cancer.
Matt Renshaw will bat at number five as Australia use their third opening combination in three Tests. Jake Weatherald was dropped following the defeat by Bangladesh in Darwin.
South Africa will be without fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has not recovered from a hamstring injury. Anrich Nortje returns after around three years away from Test cricket, while the hosts have selected Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj as their two spinners.
