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. 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. 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.
Horrible Knock By Nic Maddinson. 33 Balls Duck. One Of The Worst Innings Ever https://t.co/OldluJ0vBn
— Aryan Goel (@AryanGoel101922) October 9, 2026
Maddinson last played a Test for Australia during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan in 2016. His selection for the squad has raised eyebrows, especially with Maddinson last playing a First-Class game more than a year ago.
Most balls faced by a opener in Tests to be dismissed for a duck
39 – Darrin Murray (NZ) vs SL, Dunedin, 1995
36 – Trevor Gripper (ZIM) vs WI, Kingston, 2000
33 – Nic Maddinson (AUS) vs SA, Durban, 2026
30 – Mark Dekker (ZIM) vs SL, Bulawayo, 1994
29 – Brian Luckhurst (ENG) vs AUS, Sydney, 1971
Nonetheless, Maddinson’s comeback is a remarkable story, as no less than 18 months ago, he underwent chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
There has to be some serious dearth of test cricket talent in Australia. Nic Maddinson who opened today has not played any FC cricket for over one and half years. Played 33 balls today and dismissed for a duck. Australia off to a disastrous start after opting to bat. 23/2. #SAvAUS
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) October 9, 2026
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. 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.
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.
Playing XIs –
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