Australia drops Nic Maddinson ahead of South Africa Test series decider; Renshaw in line to open

Maddinson managed to cross double figures only once in four innings against the Proteas. | Photo Credit: AP

Australia will head into the Cape Town series decider against South Africa with a new opening batter after Nic Maddinson and reserve wicketkeeper Sam Harper were released from the Test squad.

Matthew Renshaw is now in contention to open the innings after Maddinson struggled to make an impact following his surprise recall. The 34-year-old managed to cross double figures only once in four innings against the Proteas and is set to return to domestic cricket for New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart.

Steve Smith, meanwhile, is expected to feature in the series decider, although he will undergo a fitness test on his troublesome neck during Australia’s match-eve training session.

Smith’s likely return could put Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the playing XI under scrutiny, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis also available again after recovering from injuries.

Labuschagne has endured a frustrating run in the series, registering scores of 37, 37, 14 and 39.

Harper, who had been part of the Test squad as Alex Carey’s understudy while Inglis recovered from a broken finger, will return to domestic duty for Victoria’s Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland at the Gabba.

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

Published on Oct 26, 2026

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