Nic Maddinson creates unwanted record for longest duck by a Test opener in 21st century
Nic Maddinson's return to Test cricket after nearly a decade began poorly with a 33-ball duck. He set a new record for the longest innings without scoring by a Test opener in the 21st century. Matthews Hayden criticized his selection, highlighting concerns over the standards of players being chosen. Australia faced early challenges after Travis Head was dismissed cheaply following Maddinson's…
Nic Maddinson, the Australia Test opener, made a startling debut return to international cricket with a 33-ball duck against South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban. Maddinson's score, the third-longest duck by an opener in Test history and the longest for a duck by a Test opener in the 21st century, marked an unwanted milestone in his comeback to the national side.
The 34-year-old was recalled after a nine-year absence, having battled testicular cancer. He had previously played only three first-class matches since his last Test appearance in the 2016-17 home summer. Despite previous criticism from former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who questioned the selection panel's decision to bring back Maddinson, his recall received initial support from captain Pat Cummins.
However, Maddinson's poor start, coupled with Travis Head's early departure, highlighted concerns about the team's batting depth against the return of Anrich Nortje and two spinners from South Africa.
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- ‘Baffling selection bears no fruit’: Fans react as Nic Maddinson endures a 'painful' 33-dall duck vs South Africa on Aussie return sports.yahoo.com
- Nic Maddinson creates unwanted record for longest duck by opener in 21st century timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- What the Maddinson selection tells us about the state of Australian cricket theage.com.au
- What the Maddinson selection tells us about the state of Australian cricket smh.com.au
