Il Nuovo Postiglione - Maddinson given shock recall but fails to score

Maddinson, 34, had previously played in a Test against Pakistan in December 2016 but his career at the top level stalled after just three appearances in which he scored 27 runs at an average of 6.75.

He was not in Austraia's original Test squad for the series in South Africa but was called up as cover last week after Josh Inglis suffered a broken finger.

It was a surprise because Maddinson had not played in a first-class match since March 2025, although he scored 126 in a 50-overs match for New South Wales against Victoria last month.

Maddinson moved up the pecking order when Cameron Green was ruled out with an abdominal injury.

"Cameron Green is the one injured player from last series (against Bangladesh) so Nic Maddinson comes in," said Australian captain Pat Cummins after winning the toss and deciding to bat at Kingsmead.

"We think he's really settled where he's at and he has shown good form."

But Maddinson struggled for 49 minutes and 33 balls without scoring.

He survived a leg before appeal against Wiaan Mulder when South Africa failed to review a not-out decision, although replays showed he would have been out, before trying to cut against Marco Jansen and edging the ball into his stumps.

Australia were then 24 for two, with Travis Head having been caught behind off Mulder for nine.

Australia were 84 for three at lunch, with Marnus Labuschagne leg before wicket to Mulder for 37 off the last ball before the interval. Steve Smith was 25 not out.

F.M.Buffo--INP