Opener Nic Maddinson has been confirmed as the first omission to Australia’s side for their series-defining Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Chief selector George Bailey has locked in what may be the first of several changes to the line-up on the back of an embarrassing innings-and-31-run loss to the Proteas in Gqeberha, with Maddinson to return home alongside reserve wicketkeeper Sam Harper.
Despite having not made a Sheffield Shield appearance since March of last year, Maddinson was given a stunning call-up on the eve of the series after all-rounder Cam Green suffered an abdominal injury.
The left-hander managed only 56 runs across his four innings — 48 of which came with his side well on top in the second innings in the series opener in Durban — and was worked over by South Africa superstar Kagiso Rabada in the second Test, making zero and eight.
Meanwhile, Bailey has also confirmed star batsman Steve Smith will need to confirm his fitness after battling a neck issue in the second Test.
Smith only batted briefly at Australia’s main training on Sunday local time, but will attempt to spend more time in the nets at another session today.
More to come
