Former Australian Test batsman Nic Maddison has announced his return to top-level cricket after battling cancer this year.

The NSW opener was diagnosed with testicular cancer following surgery to remove a tumour.

The cancer had already spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung, prompting nine weeks of chemotherapy.

Maddinson, who will turn 34 just before Christmas, has now locked in a comeback to the Big Bash League with last year’s runners-up Sydney Thunder.

He first joined the franchise last year but missed out on a debut because of injury.

“I’m really happy to be staying with Thunder,” Maddinson said ahead of the Thunder’s first game on December 16.

“There’s been a few setbacks for myself lately, but I’ve had amazing support from my friends, family and the club.

“Now I’m just keen to lock in, get the season started and hopefully help the boys go one better than last year.”

Maddinson had his first hit in the nets just two weeks after his last round of chemotherapy in July.

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A six-ball duck and 12 off 12 made for a low-key return to cricket with NSW’s second XI in early November.

But he well and truly shook off the rust with 89 off 72 balls in grade cricket two weeks later.

Red ink followed a week later with 22 off 25, before a golden duck last weekend preceded his big comeback announcement.

“We’re backing Maddo to make a real impact this season, both at the crease and through his leadership around the team,” Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said.

Maddinson, who played three Tests in 2016, told few people of his cancer diagnosis in the initial shock.

“To know that I caught it probably as early as I could have, and it still spread into other parts of my body, that was scary,” he said.

“I just think it’s so important if you have anything you’re worried about, get it checked out.”

Maddinson paid tribute to wife Bianca, who was pregnant with their second child during the ordeal.

The couple welcomed the new addition in the weeks before the cricketer went public with his health scare.

“Once I found out I had to have chemo, that was pretty hard to deal with,” Maddison said.

“That was a bit where it was pretty daunting. Bianca was the one asking all the questions. It was a bit of a blur. I’m glad she was there.

“I’m in awe of how strong and supportive she was through everything. She even quit her job as a dentist the day we found out I needed chemo.

“She took on literally everything at home, so I could rest when I needed, all while pregnant and struggling with her own sleep and looking after two dogs and a toddler.

“There were definitely days when it broke me mentally having to get up and go to hospital, and she helped me push through.

“She wanted to sit with me, all day every day, but I felt guilty for wasting her days, so she only came in a handful of times.

“Imagine if I hadn’t gone to the doctor.”