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Dubai - Australia's Nic Maddinson faced a disappointing return to Test cricket after a frustrating 33-ball duck against South Africa in the opening Test in Durban on Friday. This marked the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test history where ball facing data was available, and also the longest duck by a Test opener in the 21st century.

Maddinson, a 34-year-old, had previously played three Tests before this, making this his fourth Test match, nearly a decade after his last Test appearance. His last Test was against Pakistan in December 2016, where he failed to make an impression. Maddinson's return to international cricket is particularly noteworthy as he battled testicular cancer in 2025 and underwent chemotherapy before making a comeback and earning a surprising call-up to Australia's squad for the South Africa series.

The match also signified Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, widely known as "Sandpapergate". The controversy led to suspensions for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, and Australia are now making their first Test visit to South Africa since the incident. Maddinson's dismissal added an early setback for Australia as they commenced a three-Test series against the reigning World Test Championship holders.

Despite his efforts, even his fellow opener Travis Head fell victim to the opposing bowler before Maddinson's duck.