Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026: Full Schedule, Venues, Match Timings in IST, and Where to Watch
Get the full schedule, venues, and IST timings for the Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026, a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship. Discover where to watch this historic two-match series, as Bangladesh tours Australia for Tests after 23 years, with matches starting August 13 in Darwin and August 22 in Mackay.
The highly anticipated two-match Test series between Australia and Bangladesh is set to begin on Thursday, August 13, 2026, marking Bangladesh's first Test tour Down Under in 23 years. This landmark series is a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, with both teams vying for vital points. Pakistan vs England Test Series 2026: Full Schedule, Venues, Match Timings, and Where to Watch.
Australia, currently leading the WTC standings, will be looking to solidify their position at home, while Bangladesh, placed fourth, aims to challenge the formidable Australian side. The series promises intriguing contests, as Test cricket returns to relatively unfamiliar venues in Australia's Top End.
AUS vs BAN Test Series Schedule and Venues
The two Tests will be played at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin and the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. The Marrara Cricket Ground previously hosted a Test in 2004, while the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay will make its debut as Australia's 12th men's Test venue.
Here's the complete schedule for the Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026 (all times in IST):
| Match | Dates | Venue | Local Start Time (AEST/ACST) | IST Start Time | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 13 – August 17, 2026 | Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin | 10:00 AM ACST | 6:00 AM IST | ICC World Test Championship |
| 2nd Test | August 22 – August 26, 2026 | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay | 10:00 AM AEST | 5:30 AM IST | ICC World Test Championship |
Note: ACST (Australian Central Standard Time) is UTC+9:30, AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) is UTC+10:00, and IST (Indian Standard Time) is UTC+5:30.
AUS vs BAN Squads and Key Players
Australia has named a full-strength squad for the series, including captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne. Bangladesh will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and features experienced players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das, who was added to the squad after recovering from injury on August 1, 2026. Fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam are notably absent for Bangladesh due to injuries, with Mustafizur Rahman also unavailable. Shakib Al Hasan Banned from Bangladesh Cricket After Appearance During Former PM Sheikh Hasina Presser.
Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith (VC), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfik Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Amite Hasan (wk), Jaker Ali (wk), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.
AUS vs BAN Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Historically, Australia has dominated the Test rivalry against Bangladesh, holding a 5-1 win-loss record. Bangladesh's sole Test victory against Australia came in 2017 in Dhaka, where they secured a 20-run win. Australia's strong recent form and their top spot in the WTC standings make them clear favourites, but Bangladesh will be eager to prove their mettle on Australian soil after a prolonged absence.
Where to Watch AUS vs BAN Live Streaming
Cricket fans can watch the action live across multiple platforms, with broadcast and streaming details varying across India, Australia, the UK, and other regions worldwide.
- India: Star Sports Network has the broadcast rights of Australia vs Bangladesh Test series in India.
- Australia: Fans can watch the series live on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, Seven and 7plus. Additionally, Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) will provide live radio coverage.
- United Kingdom: The series will be broadcast live and for free on DAZN.
- Global Streaming: Tapmad is also expected to offer live streaming, subject to regional availability.
This series is not only a significant moment for Bangladesh's Test cricket history but also offers crucial points in the ongoing World Test Championship, promising an exciting fortnight of cricketing action.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 02:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
