Australia have added wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper and left-handed batter Nic Maddinson to their squad for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban, with the duo brought in as cover after Josh Inglis was ruled out with a fractured right index finger. Inglis suffered the injury ahead of the three-match series and will miss the first Test, while his availability for the second match in Gqeberha will be determined based on his recovery. Harper earned his call-up after making an impressive contribution for Australia A in the recent series against India A in Puducherry.
The wicketkeeper-batter struck a 128-run century, strengthening his case for a place in the senior squad. The Test series is scheduled to begin on October 9 in Durban, with the second Test to be played in Gqeberha from October 18 and the third in Johannesburg from October 27.
Australia currently sit at the top of the standings, while defending champions South Africa occupy second place. The three-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
