Australia and Bangladesh are set to begin an important two-Test series as part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC). The first Test will start on August 13, 2026, at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.
The two teams will play two Tests in August, with both matches carrying important WTC points.
Australia Starts as Favourite
Australia currently sits at the top of the WTC standings, while Bangladesh is fourth and India is fifth. Australia has selected a strong squad for the series and will be hoping to continue its good position in the championship.
Captain Pat Cummins will lead the Australian team. The squad also includes experienced players such as Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne.
Australia will, however, miss some players because of injuries and selection decisions. Michael Neser is also unavailable for the series.
The Australian team has a strong combination of experienced Test players and younger members. The bowling attack, led by Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc, and Lyon, is expected to be one of the biggest strengths of the team.
Bangladesh Makes Key Changes
Bangladesh will also enter the series with some important changes. The team is missing fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam because of injuries.
Experienced batter Soumya Sarkar has returned to the squad, while wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has also been included.
Veteran player Mushfiqur Rahim will no longer keep wickets in Test matches. Litton Das is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties.
Bangladesh will be hoping its experienced players can help the team compete against a strong Australian side.
Australia Has Dominated Previous Tests
Australia and Bangladesh have played six Test matches against each other so far. Australia has won five of those matches, while Bangladesh has won one.
Bangladesh’s only Test victory over Australia came in 2017 in Mirpur. Since then, Australia has remained the stronger team in their meetings.
However, Bangladesh will hope that its current squad can produce another strong performance and challenge Australia in the upcoming series.
Broadcast Details
There is currently no confirmed information about a broadcaster for Bangladesh’s 2026 tour of Australia in India. As a result, the series may not be available for live television or streaming in India unless a broadcaster is announced later.
Australia Squad
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
Bangladesh Squad for First Test
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.
The first Test in Darwin will be an important opportunity for both teams. Australia will look to strengthen its position at the top of the WTC table, while Bangladesh will aim to earn valuable points and create an upset against one of the strongest Test teams in the world.