WTC – Australia Schedule Bangladesh Tests in Northern Venues
WTC – Australia have confirmed the itinerary for their upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh, with matches set to be played in Darwin and Mackay this August. The announcement comes as the reigning leaders of the World Test Championship continue preparations for a demanding international season.
Northern Australia Set to Host Two-Test Series
The two-match Test series will begin on August 13 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, marking a rare occasion for the Northern Territory to stage a five-day international. The second Test is scheduled to start on August 22 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, Queensland.
Darwin has not hosted a Test match since 2004, when Australia faced Sri Lanka in a five-day contest. The return of the longest format to the region is being seen as a significant moment for cricket in northern Australia, offering fans outside the traditional metropolitan centres a chance to watch elite international competition.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg welcomed the decision to take Test cricket back to the Top End. He said the organisation was pleased to bring the format to northern communities and expressed confidence that the facilities and seasonal conditions in August would provide an ideal setting for high-quality cricket.
Strategic Timing in a Packed Calendar
The scheduling reflects careful planning amid an increasingly busy global cricket calendar. August presents a practical window for hosting Test matches in the north, where weather conditions are generally more favourable during that period compared to the peak summer months in southern cities.
Australia enter the series in strong form, having recently secured a 4-1 Ashes victory over England. That result lifted them to the top of the World Test Championship standings and reinforced their position as one of the most consistent Test sides in recent years.
The Bangladesh fixtures will serve as an important step in Australia’s broader campaign. Following the August series, the team is set to tour South Africa in October for a three-Test assignment. Later in the season, they will host New Zealand for a four-Test series spanning December and January.
Bangladesh Eye Valuable Overseas Experience
For Bangladesh, currently placed eighth in the World Test Championship table, the tour represents a significant challenge and opportunity. The team will travel to Australia after completing a home series against Pakistan in May, providing a chance to build continuity before heading into unfamiliar conditions.
Playing in Australia has traditionally posed difficulties for visiting sides, given the pace and bounce of pitches as well as the travel demands. However, Bangladesh will be aiming to use the series as a platform to measure their progress and compete against one of the strongest teams in the format.
With both matches taking place outside Australia’s traditional cricket hubs, the series is expected to draw considerable local interest. The revival of Test cricket in Darwin after more than two decades adds an additional layer of significance to the contest.
Full Schedule Confirmed
The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh will be held from August 13 to 17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. The second and final Test is scheduled for August 22 to 26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
The two-match series will contribute valuable points toward the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, with both teams seeking to strengthen their positions in the standings.
As preparations begin, attention will focus on squad selections, pitch conditions and how both sides adapt to the northern venues. With Australia aiming to extend their momentum and Bangladesh eager to prove their credentials, the August series promises to be an important chapter in the 2026 international cricket calendar.