Australia Add Maddinson and Harper to Test Squad

Australia have added Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper to their 18-player squad for the three-Test series against South Africa, bringing in batting and wicketkeeping cover as Josh Inglis is ruled out of the opening match and Cameron Green’s fitness remains uncertain. The additions were confirmed on October 1, ahead of the first Test in Durban on October 9. Selector George Bailey said Harper would provide wicketkeeping cover while Inglis recovers, and Maddinson would give the batting order flexibility. Both selections are cover options; the reports do not establish that either player has been named in the starting XI. Inglis fractured a finger while keeping wicket during the teams’ first one-day international on September 24. He is unavailable for the opener, and his possible return for the second Test in Gqeberha, scheduled to begin October 18, remains subject to assessment. Green sustained an abdominal strain while batting in the third ODI in Potchefstroom. His availability for the first Test had not been settled in the reports, with further medical assessment expected.