Cancer Survivor Maddinson Earns Australia Test Call-Up a Decade After His Last Cap
Australia's selectors announced on 2 October 2026 that 34-year-old batter Nic Maddinson had been added to the Test squad for the three-match series against South Africa. Reuters reported that Maddinson, who underwent treatment for testicular cancer a little more than a year ago, is now in contention for a remarkable comeback almost a decade after his last Test. The first Test begins on 9 October at Kingsmead in Durban.
Maddinson was called up alongside reserve wicketkeeper Sam Harper after Josh Inglis was ruled out of the first Test with a fractured finger. Chief selector George Bailey said Harper provides wicketkeeping cover for first-choice keeper Alex Carey, while Maddinson offers flexibility throughout the batting order.
Maddinson played three Tests in 2016 and has not played first-class cricket since undergoing chemotherapy following his diagnosis last year. He was nevertheless named captain of New South Wales for the current season and scored a century in the One-Day Cup last week, form that underpinned his recall.
Australia are also monitoring all-rounder Cameron Green, who suffered an abdominal strain during the third one-day international against South Africa. Whether Maddinson makes the playing eleven in Durban will depend on training and medical assessments, but his return is already one of the most closely followed stories of the Australian season.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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