Australia kicks off 20-Test marathon with Bangladesh in Darwin
Australia opens a 12-month, 20-Test schedule by hosting Bangladesh for a two-match series in Darwin, featuring a restored pace attack.
Test cricket returns to Australia's tropical Top End for the first time since 2003 as Bangladesh arrives for a two-match series beginning Thursday at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. This encounter launches a year-long program in which Australia will contest at least 20 Tests, including series against South Africa, India and England. The Australian lineup features a reunited fast quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, a combination rarely seen due to recent injuries.
All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster are also selected, while Scott Boland is omitted. Bangladesh will be without key pacemen Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam for the first Test, though Shoriful may be fit for the second match in Mackay later in August. The series sets the tone for a demanding calendar that will see Australia travel to South Africa, host New Zealand, tour India and play a day-night Test against England in March before the Ashes away series in June.
Why it matters
The series starts Australia's packed Test calendar and showcases a restored bowling attack after injury setbacks.
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