Maddinson Sets Australian Opener Record With 33-Ball Duck

Nic Maddinson was dismissed for zero after facing 33 balls on his return to Test cricket, setting a record for an Australian Test opener and ranking third among openers in the format’s longest ducks. The 34-year-old was bowled by South Africa fast bowler Marco Jansen during Australia’s first innings in Durban on October 9. Maddinson tried to cut the delivery but chopped it onto his stumps, ending an innings in which he had not scored. The dismissal was the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test cricket when measured by balls faced. Across Test cricket, only New Zealand’s Darrin Murray, with 39 balls, and Zimbabwe’s Trevor Gripper, with 36, faced more balls before being dismissed for zero as openers, according to the historical comparisons reported. Maddinson’s return came after his last Test appearance in December 2016, also against South Africa. Australia selected him to open in Durban, bringing him back to the team after nearly a decade away from Test cricket. The 33-ball innings also surpassed David Warner’s 22-ball duck as the longest by an Australian opener dismissed without scoring. Australia’s first-innings batting continued after Maddinson’s departure.