Nic Maddinson's 33-ball duck sets Australian record on Test return
Synopsis
Nic Maddinson returned to Test cricket after nearly 10 years, a cancer battle, and a record 88-Test gap — only to set another unwanted record: the longest duck by an Australian Test opener at 33 balls. The dismissal against Marco Jansen at Kingsmead is a painful footnote to one of cricket's most emotional comebacks.
Key Takeaways
Nic Maddinson was dismissed for a 33-ball duck by Marco Jansen in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban on 9 October .
The innings sets a new Australian record for the longest duck by a Test opener, surpassing David Warner's 22-ball duck in the 2022 Ashes .
The all-time record still belongs to Darrin Murray (New Zealand) — a 39-ball duck against Sri Lanka in 1995 .
Maddinson's last Test was in December 2016 against Pakistan — a gap of 88 Tests , itself an Australian record .
He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2025 , completed chemotherapy by July 2025 , and scored 126 in the One-Day Cup on his return to domestic cricket.
Nic Maddinson's long-awaited return to Test cricket ended in an unwanted slice of history on Friday, 9 October, as the left-handed opener was dismissed for a 33-ball duck in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban — setting a new Australian record for the longest duck by a Test opener.
The Record-Breaking Dismissal
Maddinson was bowled out by Marco Jansen in the 11th over of Day 1, having consumed 33 deliveries without troubling the scorers. The feat surpasses the mark previously held by David Warner, who was dismissed for a 22-ball duck during the 2022 Ashes away series. For context, the all-time record for the longest duck by an opener in Test cricket belongs to former New Zealand cricketer Darrin Murray, who occupied the crease for 39 balls against Sri Lanka in 1995. Former Zimbabwe opener Trevor Gripper was dismissed for a 36-ball duck against the West Indies in 2000.
The Fairytale Comeback Story
Maddinson's presence in the playing XI is itself a remarkable sporting narrative. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2025, with the disease having spread to his lungs and lymph nodes. He completed a course of chemotherapy by July 2025 and resumed cricket training in September 2025, just two months after his final round of treatment. His return to form came swiftly — Maddinson struck a commanding 126 in the One-Day Cup for New South Wales against Victoria shortly after his comeback. A combination of that form and injury disruptions within the Australian squad earned him a call-up to the national side.
A Decade Between Appearances
Maddinson's previous Test appearance came in December 2016 against Pakistan — nearly 10 years ago. The gap between his two caps now stands at 88 Tests, which is itself an Australian record. The magnitude of that absence makes his selection, regardless of the outcome on Friday, a story that transcends statistics.
Patience Without Reward
Notably, Maddinson was not reckless in his brief stay. He left several balls outside off stump and showed intent to build an innings. He survived an LBW appeal in the fourth over when Wiaan Mulder struck him in front, though the Proteas chose not to review, apparently uncertain whether bat had been involved. A few overs later, however, Jansen found the edge and ended the innings before it could begin. This comes amid Australia's ongoing challenge of setting a settled top-order combination in overseas conditions.
Point of View
Even for battle-hardened returners. The more revealing statistic is the 88-Test gap — Australian selectors rarely look so far back, and their decision to recall him signals either a genuine shortage at the top or a compelling debt being repaid to a player who fought far bigger battles than a first innings duck.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Nic Maddinson set on his Test return?
Maddinson was dismissed for a 33-ball duck by Marco Jansen on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, setting the record for the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test cricket. The previous record was held by David Warner, who faced 22 balls for a duck in the 2022 Ashes.
Why is Nic Maddinson's comeback considered a fairytale story?
Maddinson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2025, which had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes. He completed chemotherapy by July 2025, resumed training in September, and scored 126 in domestic cricket before earning an Australia recall — nearly 10 years after his last Test cap.
How long was the gap between Maddinson's two Test appearances?
Maddinson's previous Test was in December 2016 against Pakistan, making the gap 88 Tests — itself an Australian record for the most Tests missed between two appearances for the same country.
Who holds the all-time record for the longest duck by a Test opener?
Former New Zealand cricketer Darrin Murray holds the all-time record, having been dismissed for a 39-ball duck against Sri Lanka in 1995. Zimbabwe's Trevor Gripper is second with a 36-ball duck against the West Indies in 2000. Maddinson's 33-ball duck is third on the list but first among Australians.
Did Maddinson have any close calls before being dismissed?
Yes, Maddinson survived an LBW appeal in the fourth over when Wiaan Mulder struck him in front. The Proteas did not opt for a review, apparently unsure whether bat had been involved. He was eventually dismissed a few overs later by Marco Jansen.
