Australia have bolstered their squad ahead of the opening Test against South Africa in Durban, adding wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper and left-handed batter Nic Maddinson as cover following Josh Inglis' injury. Inglis suffered a fracture to his right index finger before the start of Australia's three-match Test campaign and has been ruled out of the series opener. His availability for the second Test will be decided on the basis of his recovery.
The second Test begins on October 18 in Gqeberha. Harper's inclusion comes after a strong performance for Australia A against India A in Puducherry. The wicketkeeper-batter fired a century there, scoring 128 off 223 balls. On the other hand, Maddinson could return to Test cricket in almost ten years following his previous appearance in the format.
Maddinson last represented Australia in a Test in 2016. He has gone through a lot, including treatment for testicular cancer. Australia are also monitoring the fitness of all-rounder Cameron Green, who picked up a lower abdominal strain while batting during the final ODI against South Africa. The Test series begins on October 9 in Durban.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (second Test onwards), Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster