Cricket Australia has unveiled exciting plans for a historic Test series against Bangladesh in August 2026, marking the visitors’ first tour Down Under since 2003. The two-match series will introduce fresh venues to the Test calendar, breathing new life into Australia’s summer-less cricket schedule.
The opening Test, from August 13 to 17, heads to Darwin’s Marrara Stadium, hosting its first red-ball clash since 2004 when Sri Lanka played there. Bangladesh themselves have prior experience at the ground, facing Australia in 2003. The second Test, scheduled for August 22 to 26, makes history at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, a venue previously limited to white-ball men’s ODIs and women’s internationals.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed delight at expanding Test cricket to northern Australia. ‘We’re thrilled to bring Test cricket to northern Australia and look forward to a fantastic series against Bangladesh,’ he said. Greenberg highlighted the availability of world-class facilities in August, ensuring cricket fans enjoy top-tier action beyond the traditional summer window.
This series represents the fourth Test showdown between the nations, following six prior encounters where Australia claimed five wins and Bangladesh notched a memorable victory in Mirpur back in 2017. For Bangladesh, fresh off missing the 2026 T20 World Cup, it’s a golden opportunity to showcase resilience on Australian soil.
Players like Shakib Al Hasan and emerging stars will relish the challenge of proving themselves against Australia’s pace battery in unfamiliar territories. Fans anticipate thrilling battles, with Bangladesh aiming to stun the hosts and build momentum ahead of future campaigns. This bold scheduling underscores Cricket Australia’s commitment to global cricket growth and venue diversification.