KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Australiahosts Bangladeshfor a two-Test series in Darwin and Mackay.
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UK viewers can watch the AUS vs BAN Tests for free
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The first Test begins at Darwin on August 13, starting at 1:30 AM BST.
Australia looks ready to welcome Bangladesh
Australia and Bangladesh meet in a two-match Test series that carries genuine historical significance for both nations. The first Test in Darwin, beginning August 13 at the Marrara Cricket Ground, is the venue’s first Test match since 2004, while the second Test hands Mackay its maiden red-ball international.
It is also the first Test series between the two sides on Australian soil since 2003, a gap of 23 years, and forms part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Australia enter as overwhelming favourites, sitting near the top of the standings with a full-strength squad led by Pat Cummins.
The head-to-head record underlines the gulf between the teams, with Australia holding a commanding 5-1 advantage in Tests. Bangladesh’s solitary win came in the famous 20-run triumph at Mirpur in 2017, and they have never won a Test on Australian soil.
Bangladesh’s preparations have been chastening, with the Tigers bowled out for just 54 in their warm-up defeat to a Cricket Australia XI, where Campbell Thompson took 8 for 25. Facing Australia’s pace and bounce on unfamiliar pitches represents a daunting task for the visitors.
MORE: Waugh’s classy gesture after infamous ‘Bangladesh don’t deserve Test cricket’ remark recalled
AUS vs BAN Test start timings in UK and local time
Every match on the tour begins at 10:00 AM local venue time, but Darwin and Mackay sit in different time zones. The table below shows the start times for UK viewers alongside the local Australian times.
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1:30 a.m. |
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1:00 a.m. |
MORE: AUS vs BAN 1st Test predicted playing XI: Head set to open after Ashes heroics
How to watch AUS vs BAN Test series 2026 for free in the UK
Cricket fans in the United Kingdom can follow the Australia vs Bangladesh Test series live through DAZN, which holds the broadcast rights for the tour. DAZN offers a free tier for selected cricket coverage, allowing UK viewers to stream the action without a paid subscription.
To watch for free, supporters simply need to register for a DAZN account and access the coverage through the DAZN app or website. Given the early-morning UK start times, the platform’s on-demand and highlights options also provide a convenient way to catch up on the day’s play.
For Aussie cricket fans, they can catch the coverage live on Channel 7 and 7mate for free. For those who would like to skip the ads or stream it on their mobile devices, 4K coverage will be available on Kayo Sports and Fox Cricket for television.
AUS vs BAN Test series 2026 schedule
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Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin |
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Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay |
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