Quick hits: Maddinson makes historic 33-ball duck as Aussie batters flounder

Nic Maddinson, the veteran opener, made a historic return to Test cricket with a duck in the opening day of the first Test between Australia and South Africa. The 34-year-old was brought into the squad after an absence of almost a decade, replacing the injured Cameron Green. Australia won the toss and elected to bat, putting Maddinson in the opening slot.

He struggled in his first 32 balls before being dismissed by his 33rd delivery, chopping onto his stumps off the bowling of Marco Jansen. This record-breaking duck is the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test cricket history and only second-longest no-score overall, behind Mark Whittle's 42-ball duck in 1981. Despite Maddinson's unfortunate start, the South Africans faced criticism for their use of the Decision Review System (DRS).

Umpire Richard Kettlebrough initially upheld a referral on a leg stump appeal involving Maddinson, despite replays showing the ball had only hit his pad. South Africa also failed to capitalize on two other review opportunities, with Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw both dismissed for ducks. The Australian batters faced an uphill battle as they struggled to respond to South Africa's powerful start.

Matt Renshaw, coming in at number five, showed promise but was eventually out for 46. Steve Smith, the former world number one, received a muted reception upon his return to the Australian team and was dismissed for 25, contributing to a worrying start for the hosts.