Australian batter Nic Maddinson has completed a remarkable comeback to international cricket after battling testicular cancer, earning a place in the Playing XI for the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Friday.
The left-handed batter, who underwent chemotherapy 18 months ago, is set to open alongside Travis Head, marking his return to Test cricket after a decade. Maddinson last played a Test for Australia against Pakistan in Melbourne in 2016.
Australia captain Pat Cummins backed the 34-year-old’s selection, pointing to his recent form and readiness for the challenge after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
“I think he’s really settled where his game is at. He’s shown good form. No Australians have had a lot of cricket in the last six months, but I feel like he’s really well-placed,” Cummins said.
Maddinson strengthened his case with a century, scoring 126 for New South Wales against Victoria in the One-Day Cup on his return. An injury to Cameron Green further opened the door for his recall to the national side.
Australia have retained Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3 following his century in the warm-up fixture, with Steve Smith occupying the next position. Matt Renshaw will bat at No. 5, while Alex Carey remains the first-choice wicketkeeper. Beau Webster is expected to fill Green’s all-rounder role.
The visitors have opted for their established pace combination of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, with Nathan Lyon the sole specialist spinner. Scott Boland misses out.
South Africa announced their XI a day before the match, with Anrich Nortje returning after more than three years. Kagiso Rabada was unavailable due to a hamstring injury, while Dane Paterson and Gerald Coetzee were left out as the hosts opted for two spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
Playing XIs
Australia: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje.
FOLLOW NOW
