Cricket

Nic Maddinson creates unwanted record for longest duck by opener in 21st century

October 9, 2026

Returning to the Test arena after nearly ten years away, Australian batsman Nic Maddinson endured a miserable start against South Africa by recording a thirty-three ball duck. This prolonged scoreless knock establishes the longest innings without scoring for an opening batsman in Test matches during the twenty-first century.

Coming into the squad as a replacement for Cameron Green following a battle with testicular cancer, his selection had already drawn sharp criticism from Matthew Hayden regarding domestic averages. Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first on day one at Kingsmead, where Travis Head was also dismissed cheaply for nine runs.

The inclusion of Maddinson sparked broader debate over selection standards, with Hayden directly targeting chief selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide over players picked with modest first-class records. Cummins had previously defended the batter, asserting he felt settled in his approach at the crease.

Facing a South African bowling attack that welcomed back Anrich Nortje and deployed two spinners while Kagiso Rabada remained sidelined with a hamstring injury, the visitors quickly found themselves struggling for stability at the crease.