It was a nightmare return to Test cricket for Australia’s Nic Maddinson as the southpaw was dismissed for a 33-ball duck on Day 1 of the 1st Test against South Africa in Durban. He, however, entered unwanted record books following his 33-bal duck, which is the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test history where balls faced data is available. Making his return to the format after a decade, Maddinson’s marathon stay at the crease ended after he chopped on while trying to cut Marco Jansen in the 11th over.
Maddinson’s dismissal put Australia on the back foot after Travis Head too was dismissed earlier.
Maddinson last played a Test for Australia during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan in 2016. Maddinson, who scored 126 for New South Wales in the domestic one-day cup last month, was roped in after an injury to all-rounder Cameron Green .
No Australians have had a lot of cricket in the last six months, but I feel like he’s really well-placed,” said Cummins after opting to bat at the Kingsmead. His selection for the squad has raised eyebrows, especially with Maddinson last playing a First-Class game more than a year ago. Despite criticism over his selection, Australia captain Pat Cummins praised the veteran batter at the toss. “I think he’s really settled where his game is at. He’s shown good form. Australia XI: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne , Steve Smith , Matt Renshaw , Alex Carey , Beau Webster , Mitchell Starc , Pat Cummins (captain), Nathan Lyon , Josh Hazlewood . South Africa XI: Aiden Markram , Ryan Rickleton, David Bedingham , Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs , Wiaan Mulder , Kyle Verryenne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj , Simon Harmer , Andrich Nortje
