Maddinson and Harper receive late Test call-up following injury concerns

Sam Harper and Nic Maddinson have been parachuted into Australia’s Test squad for its series against South Africa as the side faces injury concerns.

The governing body confirmed on Thursday night that both have been added to the now 18-man squad for their First Test beginning next Friday.

The news comes about after it was revealed that Josh Inglis will be unavailable for the First Test, having fractured his right index finger whilst Cameron Green battles with lower abdominal strain sustained during Australia’s 45 run win against South Africa in their latest ODI.

Both Harper and Maddinson have shown form with the bat in recent times. Harper managed to score a red ball century in his debut for Australia A, who are currently playing against India A in Puducherry.

Maddinson scored a match-winning 126 from 127 balls in NSW’s most recent ODI against Victoria. The left-handed batsman’s last appearance in the baggy green came nearly a decade ago during the 2016 Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.

In that time, the 34-year-old faced a battle with testicular cancer last year which required surgery and chemotherapy, with the cancer spreading to his lungs and lymph nodes.

Following treatment, Maddinson returned to play in the BBL with the Sydney Thunder.

Explaining his reasoning behind the additions, chair of selectors George Bailey believed the two provided depth for the injuries sustained in both wicketkeeping and batting.

“Sam gives us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order,” Chair of Selectors George Bailey said.

The First Test takes place on October 9 in Durban.

SEN will have live coverage of every ball throughout the series across our national radio network and on the SEN app.

Australia’s Test side for South Africa

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (second Test onwards), Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster