Australian cricket selectors have recalled batter Nic Maddinson to the national squad for the upcoming opening Test match against South Africa. The inclusion follows his successful recovery from testicular cancer, marking a remarkable return to the highest level of the sport.

Maddinson, who previously represented Australia in three Test matches during late 2016, received his cancer diagnosis in April 2025 after the illness spread to his lymph nodes and lung. Following a rigorous course of chemotherapy that concluded in July of that year, medical professionals cleared the 34-year-old to return to professional cricket.

In addition to Maddinson, selectors added uncapped Victorian wicketkeeper Sam Harper to the touring party. Both players join the squad as emergency cover due to injuries within the team ahead of the three-match series opener.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the first fixture after initial medical scans revealed a fracture in his right index finger. Team management intends to monitor his recovery closely with the hope that he might return for the second match of the series.

Furthermore, all-rounder Cameron Green remains a question mark for the starting lineup after picking up a lower abdominal strain. The injury occurred while Green was batting during the final one-day international of the preceding limited-overs series.

Chair of selectors George Bailey explained that Harper provides essential depth behind the stumps while Inglis recuperates. Meanwhile, Bailey noted that Maddinson brings valuable versatility to various positions within the batting order.

Maddinson has not featured in a first-class fixture since his cancer diagnosis, but he recently demonstrated his readiness for top-flight competition. He appeared in five matches during the most recent Big Bash League season and struck a century for New South Wales in a domestic one-day fixture against Victoria.

Harper earned his call-up following strong recent performances, including a century for Australia A against India A in a fixture held in Puducherry. He also enjoyed a productive domestic summer, accumulating nearly seven hundred runs during the previous Sheffield Shield campaign.

The opening match of the series is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 9, in Durban. Australia will finalize their playing eleven closer to the start date, taking into account the fitness statuses of several key squad members.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.