Another packed season of international cricket will begin in northern Australia in August 2026 with Cricket Australia (CA) releasing the dates for the men's
Test series against Bangladesh.
The matches will be played in Darwin (Marrara Stadium, 13-17 August 2026) and Mackay (Great Barrier Reef Arena, 22-26 August 2026).
Test cricket returns to Darwin for the first time since July 2004, when Australia beat Sri Lanka by 149 runs.
More recently, Marrara Stadium has hosted Australia A matches, including a four-day match against Sri Lanka and two T20 internationals against South Africa last season.
This will be the first Test match played in Mackay, with the Great Barrier Reef Arena having established itself as a significant international cricket venue.
Mackay hosted men’s and women’s international matches over the last two northern winters, as well as four-day Australia A matches against New Zealand and India in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Australia vs Bangladesh 2026 – Full Series Schedule
| Match | Dates | Venue | Time (Local) |
| 1st Test | August 13-17 | Marrara Stadium, Darwin | 10 AM |
| 2nd Test | August 22-26 | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay | 10 AM |
The pre-sale period for tickets to the international summer of cricket will be open to CricketPlus members and will begin on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday, June 15, 2026.
The Men’s Test Series against Bangladesh will be broadcast on Kayo Sports and Foxtel and Seven and 7plus.
CA 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," CA CEO Todd Greenberg said.
“Marrara Stadium and Great Barrier Reef Arena have been outstanding venues for international cricket in recent seasons, and we’re grateful to the Northern Territory and Queensland governments, Mackay Regional Council and our stadium partners for their strong support,” Greenberg added.
Northern Territory Minister for Major Events and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said:
“As we work hard to grow our visitor economy, events like international test cricket are catalysts – attracting visitors to Darwin from all over the world, filling our restaurants and pubs; touring our unique parks and sites; and helping to put the Northern Territory on the map.”
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said,
“The Crisafulli Government is working hard to cement Queensland’s reputation as the events capital of the country, with Mackay set to host its first ever Test match as Australia face Bangladesh on home soil. Securing this Test is all part of our long-term Destination 2045 tourism plan, as this event will not just attract international viewers through broadcast opportunities; it will draw cricket fans from across the world to Mackay.
“With the event slated to generate almost $2 million for Queensland, this is a massive event for Mackay as all eyes will be on the city and the action from the Great Barrier Reef Arena in August this year.”
