Australia add Harper, Maddinson as Inglis cover for South Africa Tests
Synopsis
Josh Inglis is out with a fractured finger, Cameron Green is a fitness doubt, and Nic Maddinson — last seen in a Test whites a decade ago, after beating cancer — could walk back onto the biggest stage in cricket. Australia's squad for Durban is as much a story of resilience as selection, with major WTC points at stake against second-placed South Africa.
Key Takeaways
Josh Inglis ruled out of the first Test in Durban with a fractured right index finger ; availability for the second Test in Gqeberha is uncertain.
Sam Harper called up after scoring a 128-run century for Australia A against India A in Puducherry .
Nic Maddinson , 33 , could make his Test return nearly a decade after his last appearance in 2016 , having previously battled testicular cancer .
Cameron Green is a fitness doubt with a lower abdominal strain sustained during the final ODI against South Africa.
The series spans Durban (9 Oct) , Gqeberha (18 Oct) , and Johannesburg (27 Oct) as part of the ICC WTC 2025–27 cycle.
Australia lead the WTC standings ; South Africa sit second — making this a pivotal head-to-head for a place in the final at The Oval .
Australia have bolstered their squad for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban on 9 October 2026, calling up wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper and left-handed batter Nic Maddinson as cover after Josh Inglis was ruled out with a fractured right index finger. Inglis sustained the injury ahead of the three-match series and will miss the first Test, with his availability for the second match in Gqeberha subject to his recovery progress.
Harper's Route to the Squad
Harper earned his recall on the back of a commanding performance for Australia A in the recent series against India A in Puducherry, where he struck a 128-run century. That knock significantly strengthened his case for elevation to the senior Test setup, and selectors moved quickly once Inglis was ruled out.
Maddinson's Remarkable Potential Return
Nic Maddinson's inclusion is among the more striking selections in recent Australian cricket. The 33-year-old last represented Australia in a Test match in 2016 — nearly a decade ago — and has since navigated a difficult personal chapter that included treatment for testicular cancer. His addition provides Australia with extra batting depth and, should he be called upon, would mark one of the more emotionally resonant comebacks in the country's Test history.
Cameron Green Fitness Concern
Australia face another potential setback with all-rounder Cameron Green, whose participation in the Durban Test remains uncertain. Green sustained a lower abdominal strain while batting during the final ODI against South Africa and will be monitored over the next week before a final decision is made on his availability for the series opener.
WTC Stakes and Series Schedule
The three-match series is a key fixture in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. Australia currently lead the WTC standings, while defending champions South Africa occupy second place — making this a direct contest between the two sides best positioned to reach the final at The Oval. The second Test is scheduled in Gqeberha from 18 October and the third in Johannesburg from 27 October. Both teams will be eager to consolidate their standings with the WTC final berth increasingly within sight.
Point of View
But the structural concern is deeper: Australia are heading into a series that directly shapes WTC final qualification with a fractured first-choice keeper and a doubtful all-rounder. Harper's century for Australia A is encouraging, but there is a vast difference between that and keeping wicket in a pressure Test in South Africa. If Green also misses Durban, Australia's lower-order balance shifts significantly against a South African attack that will probe hard on home turf. The selectors have acted quickly and correctly — the real test is whether the cover options can deliver under pressure.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Josh Inglis missing the South Africa Tests?
Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the first Test in Durban after fracturing his right index finger ahead of the series. His availability for the second Test in Gqeberha will depend on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.
Who is Sam Harper and why was he picked?
Sam Harper is an Australian wicketkeeper-batter who was called up after scoring a 128-run century for Australia A against India A in Puducherry. His performance in that series made him the natural choice to cover for Inglis.
When did Nic Maddinson last play Test cricket for Australia?
Nic Maddinson last played a Test for Australia in 2016, nearly a decade before his current squad inclusion. The 33-year-old has since overcome a difficult period that included treatment for testicular cancer, making his potential return one of the more remarkable stories in recent Australian cricket.
What is Cameron Green's injury and when will Australia decide on his fitness?
Cameron Green sustained a lower abdominal strain while batting during the final ODI against South Africa. His condition will be monitored over the next week, with a decision on his availability for the Durban Test expected closer to 9 October.
What is at stake in the Australia vs South Africa Test series?
The three-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, with Australia currently top of the standings and South Africa in second place. A strong result for either side would significantly improve their chances of reaching the WTC final at The Oval.
