Nic Maddinson Eyes Test Comeback, T20 Revival with Sydney Thunder

Nic Maddinson aims to return to Test cricket and revive his T20 career with Sydney Thunder. Following a stellar Sheffield Shield season in Victoria, he returned to Sydney to capitalize on his form. Maddinson's T20 struggles with Melbourne Renegades are motivating him to improve his performance.

Nic Maddinson's ambitions of returning to Test cricket are stronger than ever as he gears up to bring his impressive Sheffield Shield form back to New South Wales. Following a winter return to Sydney, Maddinson is also eager to reignite his T20 career after joining Sydney Thunder. Last season, Maddinson was a standout in the latter half of the Sheffield Shield for Victoria, smashing three centuries in three matches. His remarkable performance came despite missing the season's first part due to injury. His return to Sydney, where his career initially took off, aims to capitalize on his current form.

These performances have stirred talk of a possible Test recall for Maddinson, whose last stint in the Baggy Green was in 2016-17 against South Africa and Pakistan. Although his previous Test cricket experience was brief and disappointing, Maddinson often thinks about returning to the highest level. "Probably [think about it] most days to be fair," Maddinson admitted to ESPNcricinfo. The drive to help New South Wales succeed and prove his international worth keeps him motivated. "I love playing the game and want to help New South Wales win and still feel like I offer something at international cricket," he added.

Reflecting on his evolution as a cricketer, Maddinson believes he is now far better equipped than during his initial Test stint. Averaging an impressive 50.63 in Shield cricket over six seasons with Victoria, Maddinson feels his growth is evident. "Ten times better, maybe more," he said. Maddinson's return to form in the Shield contrasts starkly with his challenging Big Bash League (BBL) season with Melbourne Renegades, where he struggled after recovering from an ACL injury. He remains optimistic about his T20 chances with Sydney Thunder, especially with hopes of opening the batting alongside David Warner. "To think we could be batting together again... it's been quite a long time," Maddinson recalled.

(With inputs from agencies.)