Maddinson’s inclusion marks his return to Australia’s Test setup after almost a decade. The 34-year-old last represented Australia in the 2016 Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
His comeback follows a difficult period away from cricket, while his recent domestic form has also impressed the selectors. Maddinson struck a match-winning 126 off 127 balls for New South Wales against Victoria in his latest ODI appearance.
Harper, meanwhile, has been brought into the squad as wicketkeeping cover while Josh Inglis continues his recovery from a fractured right index finger. The 29-year-old scored 677 runs during the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season and recently made 128 for Australia A against India A in Puducherry.
“Sam gives us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery, while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said, as quoted by the BBC.
Inglis could potentially return for the second Test in Gqeberha, depending on his recovery. Cameron Green’s availability for the opening Test is also uncertain after he suffered a lower abdominal strain during Australia’s final ODI against South Africa.
The series will begin in Durban from October 9-13, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha from October 18-22 and the third in Johannesburg from October 27-31.
