Nic Maddinson returned to Test cricket with a disappointing 33-ball duck as South Africa dismissed him in the opening Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on Friday.
The left-handed opener last represented Australia in Test cricket against Pakistan in December 2016. His comeback followed a battle with testicular cancer, making his return to the international arena a remarkable personal milestone.
Marco Jansen ended Maddinson’s innings in the 11th over on the opening morning.
The dismissal gave Maddinson the record for the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test cricket, surpassing David Warner’s 22-ball duck during the 2022 Ashes series.
Former New Zealand opener Darrin Murray holds the overall record for the longest duck by an opening batter. He faced 39 deliveries without scoring against Sri Lanka in 1995.
Zimbabwe’s Trevor Gripper recorded a 36-ball duck against the West Indies in 2000.
Maddinson showed patience at the crease, leaving several deliveries before Jansen dismissed him. He survived an early leg-before-wicket appeal from Wiaan Mulder, as South Africa chose not to review the decision. His return marks a significant achievement after doctors diagnosed him with testicular cancer in April 2025.
The disease had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes, forcing him to undergo chemotherapy, which he completed in July that year.
Maddinson resumed training in September after receiving medical clearance following his treatment. He subsequently scored 126 runs in a One-Day Cup match for New South Wales against Victoria, strengthening his case for national selection amid injury concerns in the Australian squad. His return set another Australian record.
Maddinson missed 88 Test matches between his two appearances, the longest gap between Tests for an Australian player.
Despite the disappointing start in Durban, Maddinson’s comeback represents a major personal triumph after overcoming a life-threatening illness.
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