Nic Maddinson, Sam Harper released from Australia Test squad

Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have been released from Australia’s Test squad so they can return to Sheffield Shield duty before the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Maddinson’s next Shield match for New South Wales starts on Friday. Harper turns out for Victoria against Queensland from Saturday.

The details

Maddinson was recalled to the Test side in a surprise move but made 0, 48, 0 and 8 in his four innings of the series. Harper had been named as wicketkeeping cover after Josh Inglis was sidelined with a fractured finger.

Matt Renshaw is now in contention to open alongside Travis Head, according to the ICC, since Maddinson went past 10 only once in those four innings.

Fitness updates

Steve Smith has a fitness test on his neck at the match-eve session. The ICC reports he is expected to be available for the decider.

Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are back at full fitness after their injuries and are available for selection, according to cricket.com.au.

What’s next

The ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 series between South Africa and Australia is level at 1-1. Australia won the Durban opener by 214 runs, and South Africa took Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs.

The decider is scheduled for 27-31 October at Cape Town, and the winner takes the series. The opening day starts at 2:00 PM IST on Tuesday, 27 October.