Darwin, Mackay to host Bangladesh Test series

Cricket Australia have revealed the fixtures for their home Test series against Bangladesh, set to be held in August 2026. The two-Test series will mark the first time since 2003 that Bangladesh will play a Test series in Australia.

For the series, Cricket Australia have moved away from the usual Test hotspots: matches will be played at the Marrara Stadium in Darwin and the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

It will be the first Test assignment for Darwin since 2004, when Sri Lanka played the first of their two Tests there. Incidentally, Darwin's first-ever Test - in 2003 - also featured Bangladesh.

The Great Barrier Reef Arena, meanwhile, will host its first-ever Test. Overall, only three men's internationals (all ODIs) have been played at the venue: one washed-out ODI in 1992 between India and Sri Lanka, and two matches between Australia and South Africa last year.

It has also hosted three Women's ODIs and two Women's T20Is, alongside multiple 'A' matches.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said: "We're delighted to bring Test cricket to northern Australia and look forward to a fantastic series against Bangladesh.

"It is no secret the international calendar is now crowded and we're fortunate to have world class facilities available in August ensuring we have another window for Test cricket outside summer".

Overall, this will be just the fourth Test series between Australia and Bangladesh, with Australia winning five matches out of six. Bangladesh's only win against them came in Mirpur in 2017.

Australia v Bangladesh: 2026 Test schedule

First Test: August 13 - 17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin

Second Test: August 22 - 26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay