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Australia Call Up Nic Maddinson After Remarkable Cancer Recovery Australia have handed Nic Maddinson a remarkable opportunity to return to Test cricket after the batter was added to the squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. The 34-year-old has been recalled nearly a decade after his last Test appearance, completing an extraordinary comeback following his battle with testicular cancer. Maddinson underwent surgery and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with the disease in 2025. The illness had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung, forcing him to step away from first-class cricket while undergoing treatment and rebuilding his fitness.  His inclusion comes as Australia deal with a number of selection concerns ahead of the first Test in Durban. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the opening match with a fractured right index finger, while all-rounder Cameron Green is also an injury doubt after suffering an abdominal strain during the final ODI against South Africa.  Maddinson was brought into the squad alongside wicketkeeper Sam Harper. Harper provides cover behind the stumps, while Maddinson gives Australia additional flexibility in their batting options. Chief selector George Bailey explained that Maddinson's ability to contribute in different positions was an important factor in the decision. The left-hander has experience batting at the top of the order as well as further down the line-up, making him a useful option if Australia are forced to make changes because of injuries.  The recall is particularly surprising because Maddinson has not played a first-class match for around 20 months. He missed last season's Sheffield Shield campaign while recovering from cancer treatment. However, his recent performances have shown that his batting ability remains intact. Maddinson scored 126 for New South Wales in the One-Day Cup last month, his first century in any format since 2024.  Maddinson has also returned to the New South Wales leadership group, having been named captain for the current campaign. His selectors clearly believe his experience and versatility can provide valuable depth to Australia's Test squad. The left-hander previously played three Tests for Australia in 2016, with his last appearance coming in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan that year. His potential return therefore represents a gap of almost 10 years between Test appearances.  Maddinson has said he feels confident about his health and fitness after completing his recovery. He also spent the winter working on his conditioning and has already demonstrated his ability to handle long periods at the crease in competitive cricket.  Australia's first Test against South Africa begins at Kingsmead in Durban on October 9. The second Test will be played in Gqeberha from October 18, with the series concluding in Cape Town from October 27.  For Maddinson, simply being back in the Australian Test squad represents a remarkable achievement. After overcoming a serious illness and spending a prolonged period away from red-ball cricket, he now has a chance to complete one of the most remarkable comebacks in Australian cricket. Whether he makes the final XI remains to be seen, but his selection alone is a powerful reminder of how far Maddinson has travelled since his cancer diagnosis.