Test cricket is making a long-awaited return to Australia’s tropical north, with Bangladesh set to play their first Test matches on Australian soil since 2003. Cricket Australia has confirmed the dates for two NRMA Insurance Tests, scheduled in Darwin from August 13-17 and in Mackay from August 22-26, marking the commencement of the 2026-27 home international season.
The announcement comes as a significant moment for the Top End cities, which have hosted international men’s white-ball cricket against teams like Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and South Africa in recent years. However, Test matches have not been held in these regions since Sri Lanka’s visit in 2004. The unique climate of northern Australia, offering hot and dry conditions during winter, provides an ideal setting for cricket, unlike the southern states.
New Venues and Historical Significance
Mackay will host a Test match for the first time, becoming the 12th venue in Australia to do so. This development is particularly noteworthy for Queensland, as Brisbane’s Gabba will not host a Test during New Zealand’s four-match tour in December-January due to uncertainties linked to the 2032 Olympics planning.
Meanwhile, Darwin’s Marrara Stadium, which last hosted Bangladesh in 2003 and Sri Lanka in 2004, will see international Test cricket return after a hiatus. The venue recently hosted South Africa for two T20 Internationals in August last year on a drop-in pitch.
Local Heroes and Community Impact
The return of Test cricket to Darwin is especially significant for local hero Jake Weatherald, who recently became the Northern Territory’s first homegrown player to earn a Baggy Green cap during the Ashes series. Reflecting on his childhood memories, Weatherald recalled watching Australia play Bangladesh in Darwin in 2003 as an eight-year-old.
“It was such a big moment for me to see the people I’d followed for such a long time,” Weatherald told cricket.com.au. “To see them in the flesh was a pretty big deal for me.”
Weatherald emphasized the importance of connecting the community with Australian players, noting that seeing cricket heroes in person can inspire future generations.
Bangladesh’s Test Journey and Challenges
Ranked ninth in the world, Bangladesh has not faced Australia in Test cricket since their historic maiden Test victory over them in Dhaka in 2017. A planned tour of Bangladesh by Australia in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic, making the upcoming series the first between the two nations in the World Test Championship era.
While Bangladesh has traditionally struggled in overseas conditions, they have achieved notable victories abroad against teams like the West Indies, Pakistan, and New Zealand since 2022.
“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,” said Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg.
Future Prospects and Ticket Information
The Northern Territory is set to host more international cricket in 2027, with New Zealand scheduled to play two men’s T20 Internationals. Weatherald shared his excitement about the opportunity for NT locals to witness international cricket firsthand, recalling his own experiences meeting cricket legends like Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie during the 2003 series.
“The big thing for me was just seeing the players,” said Weatherald. “I don’t remember much about the game – I was spending more time trying to get autographs and trying to see the players I wanted to see.”
Tickets for the international summer of cricket will be available for pre-sale to CricketPlus members starting Friday, June 5, 2026, with public sales beginning on Monday, June 15, 2026. The Bangladesh series will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel, and the Seven Network.
The 2026 NRMA Insurance Bangladesh Test series promises to be a historic event, bringing Test cricket back to Australia’s northern regions and offering fans a chance to experience the sport in unique settings.
