Maddinson's 33-ball duck overshadows Australia's return against South Africa

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 17:31 · Archive

Australia opener Nic Maddinson made the longest duck by a Test opener this century, facing 33 balls without scoring.

Australia opener Nic Maddinson's long-awaited return to Test cricket ended in disappointment as he made a record-breaking duck in Durban against South Africa. The 34-year-old, recalled after returning to cricket 12 months ago following treatment for testicular cancer, faced 33 balls without scoring before being bowled by Marco Jansen.

Maddinson's duck was the longest by an Australian Test opener and the third longest by any Test opener this century. During his innings he missed 13 of the balls he faced and edged one, the ball that bowled him. An lbw shout on his 15th ball would have been overturned had South Africa reviewed the umpire's not-out decision.

Australia recovered somewhat to reach 187 for 6 when bad light brought play to an early close. Usman Renshaw was 46 not out. The Guardian described the selection decision to recall Maddinson as "one of the most bizarre selection decisions ever made for the national XI", noting he had not played first-class cricket since March 2025 and his last three Tests had been nearly 10 years ago.

How it is being reported

• Renshaw keeps Australia’s hopes intact against South Africa after Maddinson gamble failsOpener’s painful duck gets tourists’ series off to bad start Renshaw and Cummins keep hosts’ attack at bay If we accept that sporting tenures are results-based, then the Australian selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide should be conferring with the coach Andrew McDonald to submit a mass resignation. The opening moments of the first Test in Durban were enough to return the predictable harvest of one of the most bizarre selection decisions ever made for the national XI, with Nic Maddinson bowled for a torturous 33-ball duck, early impetus for Australia’s slide to 187 for 6 by the time bad…The Guardian · 9 Oct, 16:23
• 33 balls, 0 runs - Maddinson's record-breaking duck on Australia returnOpener Nic Maddinson makes the longest duck by a Test opener this century as Australia struggle on his return against South Africa.BBC News · 9 Oct, 13:21

In this story: Nic Maddinson · Australia · South Africa · Marco Jansen · Durban · Usman Renshaw

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