Australia drop Maddinson for South Africa Test decider

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 26 Oct, 08:49 · Archive

Australia have dropped opener Nic Maddinson for their series-deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town after he scored only 56 runs across four innings.

Australia have dropped opener Nic Maddinson for the series-deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Maddinson scored only 56 runs across four innings during the first two Tests, including a pair of ducks and scores of 48 and 8. He had been given a surprise recall on the eve of the series after all-rounder Cam Green suffered an abdominal injury, despite not playing Sheffield Shield since March of last year.

Maddinson will return to Australia alongside reserve wicketkeeper Sam Harper. Chief selector George Bailey described his selection as allowing the team to set up their line-up as they wanted, with Matt Renshaw expected to return to open the batting. Green and Josh Inglis are both fit again for selection.

Star batsman Steve Smith remains uncertain for Cape Town owing to a neck injury sustained during the second Test in Gqeberha, which Australia lost by an innings and 31 runs. Smith batted only briefly at training on Sunday local time but will attempt further net sessions on Monday to determine his fitness. Australia are not expected to name their team until the toss on Tuesday.

How it is being reported

• Maddinson released as Australia wait on Smith's neckAustralia have sent Nic Maddinson back home to play Sheffield Shield, while Steve Smith's neck has added another element around selection for the third Test..Perth Now · 26 Oct, 08:36
• Maddinson released as Australia wait on Smith's neckAustralia have sent Nic Maddinson back home to play Sheffield Shield, while Steve Smith's neck has added another element around selection for the third Test..The West Australian · 26 Oct, 08:36
• Australia opener Nic Maddinson dropped for series-defining Test against South Africa in Cape TownAustralia have confirmed the first of what may be several changes to their line-up for their series-defining Test against South Africa, while one of their best batsman still needs to prove his fitness.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 08:23
• Australia opener Nic Maddinson dropped for series-defining Test against South Africa in Cape TownAustralia have confirmed the first of what may be several changes to their line-up for their series-defining Test against South Africa, while one of their best batsman still needs to prove his fitness.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 08:23

In this story: Nic Maddinson · Steve Smith · George Bailey · Cam Green · Kagiso Rabada · Matt Renshaw · Australia · South Africa

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