Darwin (Australia): International Test cricket will return to Darwin for the first time in over two decades in August, as Cricket Australia unveiled the schedule for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team.
The first Test of the series will begin on August 13 in the Northern Territory capital, marking the city’s first men’s Test since July 2004, when Australia hosted Sri Lanka national cricket team. The second Test will be played from August 22 to 26 in Mackay, Queensland.
Return of red-ball cricket to northern Australia
The announcement signals a significant moment for cricket in northern Australia, with Darwin set to stage its first Test match in 22 years. The city last hosted a men’s Test in 2004, and since then, top-level international red-ball cricket has largely been concentrated in Australia’s traditional summer venues such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg expressed enthusiasm about bringing the longest format of the game back to the Northern Territory.
“We’re delighted to bring Test cricket to northern Australia and look forward to a fantastic series against Bangladesh,” Greenberg said in a statement.
He added that the crowded international calendar had prompted administrators to explore alternative windows and venues outside the traditional summer schedule.
“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,” he said.
Series schedule and significance
The two-match Test series will serve as Australia’s first assignment in the format since their dominant 4-1 victory over England cricket team in the Ashes series that concluded in January.
That Ashes campaign, billed as a closely contested battle, was effectively decided within the first three Tests, with Australia asserting superiority across batting, bowling and fielding departments despite missing some key players due to injuries.
The Bangladesh series is expected to provide a different challenge. Bangladesh have steadily improved their performances in the longer format over the past decade, particularly in home conditions. However, playing in Australia during the northern winter will test their adaptability to pace-friendly conditions and unfamiliar venues.
For Australia, the series offers an opportunity to further consolidate their squad combinations ahead of a busy international season. It also allows fringe players to stake claims for future overseas tours.
Expanding the Test footprint
Hosting a Test in Darwin aligns with Cricket Australia’s broader strategy of expanding the geographical footprint of international cricket. The Northern Territory has previously hosted limited-overs matches and domestic fixtures, but Test cricket remains a rare event in the region.
Local authorities have welcomed the decision, anticipating economic benefits for the city through increased tourism, hospitality and related industries during the match period.
The second Test in Mackay will also mark a relatively uncommon venue choice for men’s Test cricket, further underlining the governing body’s intent to diversify host locations.
Busy calendar ahead
Following the Bangladesh series, Australia will travel to South Africa in October for a three-Test series against the South Africa national cricket team. Matches are scheduled to be held in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
The packed schedule reflects the growing demands of international cricket, with bilateral series, ICC events and domestic T20 leagues competing for calendar space.
For now, however, attention will turn to Darwin as it prepares to host its first Test in more than two decades — a symbolic return of red-ball cricket to Australia’s tropical north and a fresh chapter in the sporting calendar for 2026.
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