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Matthew Hayden slams Australia selectors over Test inclusions for South Africa tour

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has launched a scathing critique of the national selection panel’s Test squad choices ahead of the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, set to begin on October 9. Hayden, a vocal advocate for higher standards in red-ball cricket, argued that the inclusions of Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper fail to meet the benchmark of averaging 45 runs or more in first-class cricket.

Maddinson, recalled after injuries to Josh Inglis and Cameron Green—who remains doubtful for the first Test—has not played a first-class match since early 2025 and scored just 27 runs across three Tests in 2016–17. Selection chief George Bailey defended the pick, citing Maddinson’s suitability for Durban’s conditions, but Hayden dismissed the reasoning as disrespectful to domestic cricket, calling the approach a ‘promotion of mediocrity.’

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