Nic Maddinson Returns to Australia Test Squad After Cancer Recovery

Nic Maddinson has returned to Australia’s Test squad after recovering from testicular cancer, BBC Sport and Reuters reported. The 34-year-old New South Wales batter was called up alongside wicketkeeper Sam Harper after Josh Inglis was ruled out of the opening Test against South Africa with a fractured finger.

Both outlets reported that the first match of the three-Test series begins in Durban on October 9. Maddinson’s inclusion puts him in contention for selection; neither report confirms that he will play.

BBC Sport provided additional details about his illness and treatment. Maddinson was diagnosed in April 2025 with testicular cancer that had spread to his lung and lymph nodes, the broadcaster reported. He completed chemotherapy in July 2025 and received clearance to resume his career eight weeks after his final treatment.

BBC Sport and Reuters reported that Maddinson played three Tests in 2016 and has not played first-class cricket since his diagnosis. BBC Sport also reported that he made five appearances in the previous Big Bash League season and scored 126 for New South Wales against Victoria on Sunday in the domestic one-day competition.

Reuters separately reported that Maddinson had been appointed New South Wales captain for the current campaign despite missing Sheffield Shield cricket the previous season. It also noted his recent One-Day Cup century.

Harper’s selection provides wicketkeeping cover, both outlets reported. According to BBC Sport, the uncapped 29-year-old scored 128 for Australia A against India A in an unofficial Test in Puducherry and accumulated 677 runs during the 2025–26 Sheffield Shield season. Reuters described this as his first senior Australia call-up and identified Alex Carey as the first-choice wicketkeeper.

Both reports attributed the squad additions to selector George Bailey’s assessment that Harper supplies wicketkeeping cover while Maddinson offers options across the batting order.

The outlets also reported that Australia were monitoring Cameron Green after an abdominal strain sustained during the third one-day international against South Africa. BBC Sport added that scans confirmed a fracture of Inglis’s right index finger, with his injury being monitored ahead of a possible return for the second Test in Gqeberha.

Sources

• BBC Sport: Australia call up Maddinson after cancer recovery
• Australia call up Maddinson after cancer recovery
• Cancer survivor Maddinson earns Australia test call-up