Australia is all set for its next assignment in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2025-27. Ranked as the table toppers of the current cycle, the former WTC champions will host Bangladesh for the 2-match test series in August 2026.
After triumphing over England by 4-1 in the Ashes 2025-26, the Aussies once again aim to extend their dominance at home against Bangladesh as well.
Bangladesh’s Test Series Tour of Australia WTC 2026: Dates & Venue
The series opener on August 13, 2026, in Darwin will feature the hosts face off against Bangladesh. Subsequently, the second test will be played on August 22, 2026, in Mackay.
As per the confirmation provided by Cricket Australia (CA), here is a detailed schedule of Bangladesh’s 2-match test series on the Australian soil:
| Test | Date | Venue | Timings (IST) | Local Timings | Timings (BDT) |
| 1st | 13th to 17th August 2026 | Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin | 06 am | 10 am | 06:30 am |
| 2nd | 22nd to 26th August 2026 | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay | 05:30 am | 06 am |
- 1st Test: 13th to 17th August 2026 (at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin)
- 2nd Test: 22nd to 26th August 2026 (at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay)
Also, this series marks the return of test cricket to Darwin since July 2004, when Australia last hosted Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh To Play Test Series on Australian Soil After 23 Years
It has been nearly 2 and a half decades since Bangladesh played its last test match on Australian soil. In other words, Australia will host Bangladesh for the 2-match test series after 23 years.
Back in July 2003, the Aussies whitewashed the visitors by a 2-0 scoreline, that too by securing big-margin victories.
AUS vs BAN Test Series Significant in ICC WTC 2025-27 Cycle
The upcoming 2-match test series between Australia and Bangladesh will be essential to enhance their rankings in the WTC 2025-27 cycle.
With 84 points and 87.50 PCT, Australia leads the points table. Securing another series win would enhance their qualification chances into WTC 2027 final.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, played only 2 matches in this cycle. They rank eighth in the points table with 4 points and 16.67 PCT, having faced a loss and a draw. With multiple series on the line, this could be an opportunity for Bangladesh to improve its rankings.
Also, Australia never played a test match against an underranked Asian team like Bangladesh since 2017. Notably, this series marked the maiden test match win for the Tigers against the Aussies.
Cricket Australia Eager To Bring Back Tests to Northern Australia
Todd Greenberg, the CEO of Cricket Australia, feels delighted following the test cricket comeback in northern Australia. Here is what the 54-year old said:
“Yes! It is exciting to know that Test cricket is returning to northern Australia after a long gap. We look forward to hosting the most fabulous series against Bangladesh.
There is no doubt that the international cricket calendar is fully packed. Fortunately, we are blessed to have the top-notch facilities in August. Moreover, we have another test cricket fixture outside the summer.
In recent seasons, the Great Barrier Reef Arena and Marrara Stadium have been exceptional in hosting international cricket matches. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Northern Territory and Queensland governments, Mackay Regional Council, and stadium partners for their valuable support,” Greenberg said.
Head-to-Head Rivalry of Bangladesh vs Australia in Tests
The rivalry has been one-sided, with Australia leading with a 5-1 margin ever since competing against Bangladesh for the first time in 2003 till their last tour in 2017. Here are the detailed outcomes of those matches:
| Season | Match | Match Winner | Winning Margin | Venue | Series Winner |
| 2003 | 1st Test | Australia | Innings and 132 Runs | Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin | Australia (2-0) |
| 2nd Test | Innings and 92 Runs | Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns | |||
| 2006 | 1st Test | Australia | 3 Wickets | Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah | Australia (2-0) |
| 2nd Test | Innings and 80 Runs | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | |||
| 2017 | 1st Test | Bangladesh | 20 Runs | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka | Draw (1-1) |
| 2nd Test | Australia | 7 Wickets | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram |
Ticket Sales for Australia vs Bangladesh WTC 2026
Here is the good news for all fans who were waiting for the updates related to the ticket sales of the Australia vs Bangladesh test series 2026.
As per the latest news, the pre-sale phase commences on June 05, 2026 (Friday), while the tickets will become publicly for sale from June 15 onwards (Monday).
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Final Thoughts
This will be Bangladesh’s first test series against Australia since 2017 and the first on Australian soil since 2003.
Darwin and Mackay have now become the two unusual venues to host the most-awaited test match between Bangladesh and Australia.
So, it is understood that the forthcoming Bangladesh vs Australia fixtures are the rarest test series to watch for sure. Both these sides have only faced off against each other in 2003, 2006, and 2017.
