DHAKA, Feb 25, 2025 (BSS)—The Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled the schedule for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home.

The series will mark Bangladesh’s only second and first tour for Tests Down Under since 2003. 

Darwin and Mackay are selected as the two venues for the Tests. 

International cricket will return to Darwin for the first time in over two decades when it will host the first Bangladesh Test from August 13-17.

Mackay will become 12th men's Test venue as it will organize the second and final test from August 22-26.

The Bangladesh Tests however mark the beginning of the 2026-27 home international season for Australia.

Mackay will host a Test for the first time, becoming the 12th venue to do so in Australia. It will be Queensland's only Test for the 'summer'; Brisbane's Gabba will miss out during New Zealand's four-Test tour through December-January due to previous uncertainty over its fate in planning for the 2032 Olympics, the Cricket Australia informed.

Darwin hosted Bangladesh in 2003 and Sri Lanka in 2004, but Australia had not played an international there since 2008 until South Africa played two T20Is there on a drop-in pitch in August last year.
 
Ninth-ranked Bangladesh have not played Australia in long-form cricket since notching their maiden Test win over them in Dhaka in 2017.

Australia's mooted tour of Bangladesh in 2020 was nixed by the pandemic, meaning this year's series will mark the first time the two countries have played in the World Test Championship era.

The Tigers have typically struggled away from home, though they have notched wins abroad against 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.

"Marrara Stadium, Darwin and Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay have been outstanding venues for international cricket in recent seasons."
First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium Darwin
Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay