Nic Maddinson has been recalled to the Australian Test squad after a 579‑day absence.
The 34‑year‑old left‑hander was on the sidelines since March 2025, the longest gap for an Australian in the modern era.
When selector George Bailey rang him, Maddinson thought it was about an A‑team tour to India; instead, he received the official recall.
Back in training, he had been sharpening his red‑ball craft with New South Wales, keeping fitness sharp and timing crisp.
The comeback follows a battle with testicular cancer that forced a two‑month break after chemotherapy, a fight that changed the way he sees the game.
With South Africa looming, his return could add depth to the batting lineup and give selectors fresh options for the series ahead.