Australia have added experienced batter Nic Maddinson and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper to their Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, with injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis creating selection concerns ahead of the opening Test in Durban. Green is in doubt for the first Test, scheduled to begin on October 9, after suffering an abdominal injury during the final ODI against South Africa in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Inglis, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the opening Test after fracturing a finger. There is optimism within the Australian camp that Green will recover in time to face South Africa. However, even if he is cleared to bat, his ability to contribute with the ball remains uncertain. Green was struck in the abdomen by a full toss from Corbin Bosch during his innings in the final ODI. Despite appearing in considerable pain, he managed to hit the following delivery for six before being dismissed off the next ball. The all-rounder was Australia's leading run-scorer in their recent series against Bangladesh in August, making his potential absence a significant selection issue. Maddinson Returns to Test Squad Maddinson, 34, has earned a recall to the Test squad despite not having played a first-class match since undergoing chemotherapy in 2025. The left-hander was diagnosed with testicular cancer after discovering a lump following the 2024-25 domestic season. He underwent surgery before subsequent tests revealed that the cancer had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung. Maddinson returned to competitive cricket with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League and also featured in a second XI match for New South Wales during the 2025-26 season. He has yet to appear in the Sheffield Shield since his treatment. His recent form, however, has strengthened his case. Maddinson scored 126 against Victoria in the One-Day Cup last week and was appointed New South Wales' Sheffield Shield captain last month. Maddinson previously represented Australia in three Tests in 2016, including his debut against South Africa in Adelaide. He has played 18 first-class centuries and averages 37.11 in the format. Speaking about his international ambitions during his comeback last season, Maddinson acknowledged that another Test opportunity would be difficult but said he still wanted to play at the highest level. Harper Provides Wicketkeeping Cover Harper has been called into the squad from Australia A's tour of India and provides additional wicketkeeping cover following Inglis' injury. The 28-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run of form in first-class cricket, scoring three centuries in his last eight innings. He was promoted to the opening position for Victoria last season and responded with twin hundreds against Western Australia before making 93 against Tasmania. Harper has also impressed for Australia A in India, scoring 128 from 223 deliveries in the second four-day match. Despite being brought into the squad as wicketkeeping cover, Harper is unlikely to make his Test debut unless first-choice wicketkeeper Alex Carey suffers an injury. Inglis has played his Tests as a specialist batter rather than as Australia's wicketkeeper. "Sam gives us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order," Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey said. Renshaw Cleared of Injury Matt Renshaw has been cleared after suffering a blow to his wrist during the final ODI. Renshaw, who made his Test debut alongside Maddinson against South Africa in 2016, is expected to be available for the opening Test and remains an option at the top of Australia's batting order. Inglis could still return to the tour later in the series, with his fractured finger set to be reassessed ahead of the second Test in Gqeberha. Australia will have an opportunity to assess their squad during a two-day warm-up match against a CSA Invitational XI in Potchefstroom on Saturday and Sunday. The first Test between Australia and South Africa begins in Durban on October 9, with Green's fitness and Australia's final batting combination likely to remain key talking points in the lead-up to the series.

Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against South Africa have been hit by fresh injury concerns after Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw were forced from the field during the third ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Green, who has been managing a shoulder issue and had not bowled during Australia’s tour, was struck in the groin while batting. He appeared to be in further discomfort after swinging hard at the delivery that dismissed him. The all-rounder had been expected to bowl several overs in the ODI but did not take the field when South Africa began their innings, raising concerns ahead of the first Test in Durban on October 9. Renshaw also suffered a painful injury while fielding at close square leg early in South Africa’s innings. A powerful pull shot from Ryan Rickelton struck Renshaw on his right wrist, leaving him visibly in pain. He left the field at the end of the over and did not return before rain brought the match to an early conclusion. Australia’s Injury List Grows The latest setbacks add to a growing list of injury problems for Australia. Josh Inglis is recovering in Australia from a fractured finger, while Nathan Ellis has suffered a side strain and Jack Edwards and Joel Davies are dealing with hamstring injuries. As a result, Australia had only 12 fit players available for the final ODI. With Josh Hazlewood rested ahead of the Test series, Test squad members Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster were required to substitute in the field. Australia stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh said he had not yet spoken to Green or Renshaw after their injuries but remained hopeful that both players would be available for the Test series. “I haven't spoken to them yet, but hopefully both are okay,” Marsh said. Green had been scheduled to bowl after making progress with his shoulder rehabilitation. “He was locked in to bowl a few overs today. He had a nice build, and it would have been nice for him to have a bowl,” Marsh said. “But yeah, it wasn't meant to be, and I'm sure that it won't affect his preparation too much, hopefully.” Inglis Still a Selection Concern Australia are also facing uncertainty over wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. The selectors have not ruled him out of the Test series despite his fractured finger, but no additional cover has yet been added to the squad with only eight days remaining before the opening Test. The situation is particularly important because Australia need a reserve wicketkeeper in case Alex Carey suffers a late injury or concussion. Inglis is also one of only two reserve batters in the current Test squad, alongside Cooper Connolly. Marsh Confirms Test Return Is Not Planned Marsh also confirmed that he will return home after the ODI series, ending speculation that he could be added to the Test squad following his strong recent performances in limited-overs cricket. Marsh has not played a Test since December 2024 and has retired from domestic first-class cricket. However, Test captain Pat Cummins recently indicated that the door could remain open for Marsh to return to red-ball cricket. “Pat said the door's open, then it's open,” Marsh said. “I don't think I would be good enough to retire from Test cricket.” Marsh has not played a red-ball match since his final Sheffield Shield appearance last December. Since then, he has not faced more than 63 deliveries in any of his 47 List A or T20 matches. Asked how he would approach Test batting if he returned to the format, Marsh admitted there was some uncertainty. “It's a great question. I don't really know,” he said. “I would imagine it would be similar to my white-ball game if I was to get another crack at it.” Cummins Makes Successful Return to Bowling One positive for Australia was the return of Pat Cummins to bowling. The Test captain completed five overs without any apparent problems, his first spell since the Mackay Test in August. Cummins did not captain Australia in the ODI, with Marsh remaining in charge. Marsh explained that Cummins’ demanding schedule was the reason for sharing the captaincy responsibilities. “Pat is the ODI skipper, and his schedule is hectic, as we all know,” Marsh said. “So today was a case of me finishing the series.” Cummins is now set to turn his attention towards the Test series, while Australia await further updates on Green and Renshaw before the opening Test against South Africa in Durban on October 9.