BREAKING: Aussie Test shocks as unlikely pair called up amid stars’ injury concerns
The Australian cricket team has called up Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper as injury cover ahead of their Test series against South Africa. All-rounder Cameron Green is currently under assessment for an abdominal strain, adding to the team's existing injury concerns.
Why it matters
The squad adjustments highlight the physical toll of international cricket tours and the strategic challenges selectors face when key players are sidelined before high-stakes series.
CRICKET AUSTRALIA ‘Farcical’: Shock Aussie Test call-up raises eyebrows as selectors’ big call questioned Green injured before six and out | 00:56 Courtney Walsh and Josh Higgins from Fox Sports October 2nd, 2026 10:34 am Nic Maddinson’s shock return to the Australian Test squad almost a decade after his last appearance has raised eyebrows ahead of the first match against South Africa.
It comes as the injury curse that has struck Australia in its tour of South Africa has worsened with all-rounder Cameron Green under a cloud ahead of the first Test beginning next Friday.
Green, who banished questions about his spot in the Australian team with a superb century in Darwin against Bangladesh, suffered an abdominal strain in an ODI game on Wednesday.
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