Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed a two-match Test series between Australia and Bangladesh, with the Asian side scheduled to tour later this year. Bangladesh, who last travelled to Australia nearly two and a half decades ago, will play two Tests in August.
The opening Test of the AUS vs BAN series will begin on August 13 in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. The second match will follow at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22-26.
Darwin last staged a Test in 2004, when Australia faced Sri Lanka. The TIO Stadium has since hosted only one additional Test, which was against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Mackay fixture will mark the first time Great Barrier Reef Arena serves as a Test venue.
CA chief hails landmark series
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed his enthusiasm about taking Test cricket to northern Australia and described the upcoming contest as an exciting prospect.
“We’re delighted to bring Test cricket to northern Australia and look forward to a fantastic series against Bangladesh,” Greenberg said.
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Addressing the decision to stage the matches at Darwin and Mackay, Greenberg pointed to the availability of quality infrastructure and the demands of an increasingly packed global schedule, which made August a suitable window.
“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,” the CA boss stated.
Notably, Darwin and Cairns were the venues the last time Bangladesh toured Australia for a Test series, nearly 23 years ago.
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Preparation for South Africa tour
The announcement of the Bangladesh series came just two days after Australia’s itinerary for their tour of South Africa was unveiled. Australia are set to visit the Rainbow Nation for the first time since the sandpaper gate, with the teams scheduled to contest a three-match Test series rather than four.
Australia have generally enjoyed success in Test matches in South Africa, aside from the previous series which they lost 3-1. The two Tests against Bangladesh could therefore serve as preparation ahead of the demanding tour in September and October 2026. Both series form part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
Bangladesh set to resume international action
Bangladesh withdrew from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 due to geopolitical differences with India. After extended discussions with the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board opted out of the tournament, and Scotland replaced them in Group C.
The team will resume international competition next month with a three-match ODI series at home against Pakistan before travelling to Australia for the historic Test assignment.
Overall, Australia and Bangladesh have met in six Test matches, with Australia holding a 5-1 advantage.
