Andrew McDonald insists Nic Maddinson’s Test squad call-up should be no shock, with the left-hander edging closer to replacing the injured Cameron Green in Durban. Green has been officially ruled out of Australia’s side for the opening Test against South Africa, after failing to overcome the abdominal strain suffered in last week’s final ODI. Australia are confident the allrounder will return in the three-Test series, but do not expect to have him bowling given he was also managing a shoulder issue.
That has left the tourists with a call to make between Maddinson and Cooper Connolly, with a dry Kingsmead pitch ahead of Friday a major consideration. Maddinson’s Test squad call up following a one-day cup century and Josh Inglis’s fractured finger was a feelgood story, given he beat testicular cancer last year. But it was also met with surprise and strong criticism from the likes of Matthew Hayden, with the 35-year-old’s last Test in December 2016 and most recent first-class appearance 18 months ago.
Maddinson did average 52.37 in the Sheffield Shield from December 2018 to March 2024, before a difficult 2024-25 summer while feeling run down prior to his cancer diagnosis. We feel like he’s got some good craft against spin and quality pace. He’s been at this level before.
It may not have been obvious for others, but we felt like he was the player that we needed, in particular with Josh Inglis going out, in terms of his flexibility.” Maddinson was not picked on Australia’s recent A-tour of India with McDonald reasoning there was a balance of also taking players for the future. But he has played six first-class games for Australia A since his last Test. Sam Harper was also called up as another replacement for Inglis, but the Victorian is more filling the role of a reserve wicketkeeper.
He missed a lot of cricket with that heavy concussion early in his career. That should be the story. It should be exciting for those guys coming into the Test squad, as opposed to potentially negativity around the selection.” McDonald indicated Travis Head would still open rather than move to No 5 to replace Green, while Alex Carey will also remain at No 6.
The potential of a dry Kingsmead also looms, with the expectation spin could become an increasing factor through the Test. Australia have Matt Kuhnemann in their squad, but have traditionally been hesitant to play a second tweaker ahead of one of their three frontline quicks outside of Asia. McDonald also suggested Connolly’s ability to bowl spin would not be a major factor for selectors.
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