The two-match series marks Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia in over 20 years, featuring a full-strength Australian squad.
Category: Sports
Australia will host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series starting August 13, 2026, marking the first time in over two decades that Bangladesh has toured Australia for a Test match. The opening match will take place at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, beginning a busy year for the Australian cricket team, which is set to play at least 20 Tests in the next 12 months.
This series is particularly notable as it reunites Australia’s renowned bowling quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, who have been sidelined by injuries in recent matches. The first Test kicks off a packed schedule that includes series against South Africa, India, and England, underscoring Australia’s ambitions in the World Test Championship.
Travis Head, fresh off his Ashes heroics, is set to open the batting for Australia alongside debutant Jake Weatherald. The match is anticipated to be a challenging contest for Bangladesh, who are ranked ninth in the ICC Test rankings and have struggled historically against Australia, having won only one out of six previous Test encounters.
Bangladesh's Test tour of Australia is their first since 2003, ending a 23-year wait for the team and its fans. The last time they played a Test match on Australian soil, they faced a formidable opponent that has historically dominated the format. In their previous encounters, Australia has won five Tests and lost none at home against Bangladesh, setting a challenging precedent for the visiting team.
In preparation for this series, Bangladesh faced difficulties in a practice match against a Cricket Australia XI, where they managed to score only 263 runs in their first innings but collapsed to just 54 runs in the second. This performance raises concerns about their readiness to face a full-strength Australian side. Notably, Bangladesh will miss key pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam due to injuries, which could significantly weaken their bowling attack.
Australia, on the other hand, is fielding a full-strength team, with Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc, and Lyon all returning from injuries. Their inclusion is expected to bolster Australia’s chances of securing a comprehensive victory in the series. The team has been in strong form, currently sitting at the top of the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 87.50.
The first Test match is scheduled to run from August 13 to August 17, 2026, starting at 6 AM IST (5:30 AM local time). Following this match, the series will continue at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, where the second Test is set to take place from August 22 to August 26.
Fans can watch the matches live on Star Sports Network in India, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. In Australia, the matches will be broadcast for free on Seven and 7plus Sport, providing fans with multiple options to catch the action. UK viewers can also access the matches through DAZN, which will stream the series live.
As the series approaches, both teams are preparing for what will likely be an exciting contest. The Australian squad, with its formidable lineup, will look to assert dominance early, whereas Bangladesh will aim to capitalize on any weaknesses and build momentum from their past successes in similar conditions.
With the return of several key players and the high stakes of the World Test Championship, this series is set to be a highlight of the cricketing calendar.
As the first ball is bowled on August 13, cricket fans around the world will follow closely closely to see if Bangladesh can rise to the occasion or if Australia will continue its stronghold in Test cricket.