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Australia Hosts Bangladesh in Historic Test Series After 23-Year Wait

Australia will host Bangladesh for a two-Test series in August, marking the first time the teams have played a Test series in Australia since 2003. The opening Test will be held in Darwin, which last hosted a Test match in 2004, while the second Test will be in Mackay, a venue hosting its first-ever Test. The series forms part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Following this, Australia will tour South Africa and then host New Zealand later in the year.

Key Points: Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2024 Schedule & Venues

  • First Test series in Australia since 2003
  • Darwin hosts first Test since 2004
  • Mackay to host its inaugural Test match
  • Part of World Test Championship cycle
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Australia to host Bangladesh for Test series after 23 years in August

Australia to host Bangladesh for a two-Test series in August 2024, marking their first Test encounter in Australia since 2003. Full schedule and venue details.

"We're delighted to bring Test cricket to northern Australia and look forward to a fantastic series against Bangladesh. - Todd Greenberg"

Sydney, Feb 25

Australia will host Bangladesh for a Test series for the first time since 2003, from August 13- 22, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday.

The opening Test will commence on August 13 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. It will be the first time a Test has been held in Darwin since Australia hosted Sri Lanka in 2004.

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.

The two-Test series to close from August 22 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Notably, Mackay will host a Test for the first time, becoming the 12th venue to do so in Australia.

Bangladesh have not played Australia in long-form cricket since notching their maiden Test win over them in Dhaka in 2017.

The series will be part of the World Test Championship 2025 to 27 cycle, in which Australia are leading with seven wins in eight matches.

"We're delighted to bring Test cricket to northern Australia and look forward to a fantastic series against Bangladesh.

"It is no secret the international calendar is now crowded and we are fortunate to have world class facilities available in August ensuring we have another window for Test cricket outside summer," Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said.

"Marrara Stadium and Great Barrier Reef Arena have been outstanding venues for international cricket in recent seasons," he added.

After the Bangladesh series, Australia will move to South Africa for a three-match Test series. Pat Cummins' team will then host New Zealand for four match test series at the end of the year.

Series schedule:

First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin

Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Melbourne, I'm a bit disappointed the series isn't in the major cities, but I understand the calendar is packed. It's good for fans in Northern Australia to get top-level cricket. The WTC context makes it interesting.
A
Ananya R
Finally! After 23 years. Bangladesh cricket has improved so much since 2003. Shakib, Mushfiqur, and the new pace attack might surprise the Aussies in their conditions. The 2017 win proved they can do it. Best of luck to the Tigers! 🐅
V
Vikram M
Interesting scheduling. August in Darwin can be tricky weather-wise, no? Hope rain doesn't spoil the contest. Also, a respectful criticism: CA could have promoted this series more. It feels a bit like a filler before the bigger South Africa and NZ series.
K
Karthik V
Good for the World Test Championship. Every match counts. Australia is leading, but they can't afford to take Bangladesh lightly, especially in unfamiliar venues. Will be watching to see if Pat Cummins & Co. can maintain their dominance.
M
Michael C
Mackay hosting its first Test is a big deal for Queensland cricket fans up north. Hope the pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena is a good one for a proper contest between bat and ball. The schedule is brutal for Australia though - Bangladesh, then straight to SA.

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