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Australia to Host Bangladesh Test Series in Darwin and Mackay

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Test Cricket Returns to Australia's Tropical North After Two Decades

Cricket Australia has confirmed the return of Test cricket to the country's tropical north for the first time in two decades, with Bangladesh scheduled to play a Test series in Australia during the 2026-27 season. This marks Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia since 2003.

Series Schedule

The two NRMA Insurance Tests will initiate the 2026-27 home international season in August:

  • First Test: August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium, Darwin.
  • Second Test: August 22-26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay.

Venue Information

Mackay will become the 12th venue in Australia to host a Test match, marking its debut. This will be Queensland's sole Test for the period, as Brisbane's Gabba will not host due to ongoing uncertainty related to its 2032 Olympics planning.

Darwin previously hosted Tests in 2003 against Bangladesh and in 2004 against Sri Lanka.

The tropical northern regions offer hot and dry conditions suitable for cricket during Australia's winter, contrasting with the climate in southern states.

Team Background

Bangladesh, ranked ninth, last played Australia in long-form cricket in 2017, achieving their first Test victory over Australia in Dhaka. A planned tour in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic, making this series the first encounter between the two nations in the World Test Championship era.

Bangladesh has secured away Test victories against West Indies, Pakistan, and New Zealand since 2022.

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg addressed the schedule, stating:

Utilizing world-class facilities in August provides an additional window for Test cricket outside the traditional summer period, addressing the crowded international calendar.

Additionally, Northern Territory Cricket has announced that New Zealand will play two men's T20Is in 2027.

Ticket Sales and Broadcast

  • A pre-sale period for CricketPlus members will commence on Friday, June 5, 2026.
  • Public tickets will become available on Monday, June 15, 2026.
  • The series will be broadcast on Kayo Sports, Foxtel, Seven, and 7plus.