Test cricket is set to make its long‑awaited return to the Northern Territory, with Darwin preparing to host its first red‑ball international in 22 years. In just two weeks, the Australia v Bangladesh Test Match will take over Marrara Stadium from 13-17 August, delivering five days of world‑class cricket and marking a major milestone for sport in the Top End.
The August Test will officially open Cricket Australia's 2026-27 International Schedule, the biggest season in Australian cricket history. Spanning August through to March, the record‑breaking eight‑month program features 24 international matches across 13 venues and is anchored by a historic 150th Anniversary Test. With Darwin launching the national summer, the Territory will play a central role in one of the most significant seasons ever staged in Australian cricket.
Ahead of the Test, fans will have the opportunity to meet the Australian Men's Cricket Team at a free Westpac supported community event at the Darwin Waterfront on Sunday, 9 August from 4.00pm. The event will offer autograph and photo opportunities with players alongside a Surf Life Saving NT community BBQ and a range of cricket themed activities for families and fans.
Cricket action begins even earlier with a three-day red ball warm up match between the Cricket Australia XI and Bangladesh at DXC Arena (Marrara Cricket Ground) from 6-8 August. The match features one of the Territory's own, with Darwin born Tom Menzies returning home to represent the CA XI.
Menzies progressed from junior cricket in Darwin to, currently playing premier cricket in South Australia and now steps onto the field against an international touring side in front of family, friends and the local cricket community. Menzies is also a close family friend of Australia's current Test opener Jake Weatherald, who was also born and raised in Darwin, with both players having grown up playing cricket together.
This major event reinforces the Territory's position on the international and national cricket calendars and strengthens Darwin's reputation as a must‑visit destination for world‑class sporting experiences.
The 2026 Test Match is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through Tourism NT and Events NT. Every ball of the series will be broadcast live on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Seven and 7plus, with radio coverage available via ABC, Triple M and SEN.
Don't miss your chance to witness history, with Test tickets starting from $32 for adults and $11 for children or bring the whole family for $69 (2 adults, 2 children). Reserved grandstand tickets are also on sale. Head to here cricket.com.au/tickets [file:///C:/Users/kpemb/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/8DJIF629/www.cricket.com.au/tickets]
Quotes from Tourism and Events NT Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton:
"This historic Test will ignite local passion, attract visitors from across Australia and beyond, and reinforce Darwin's growing reputation as an international destination for elite sporting experiences. The return of red‑ball cricket to the Territory after 22 years is a major milestone and a powerful showcase of what the Top End can deliver."
"It's fantastic to see strong Territory connections across this series, from Tom Menzies returning home to represent the CA XI to former Australian coach Tim Nielsen - who went to school in Alice Springs - leading the team. Their stories highlight the strength of our player pathways.
"And the cricket doesn't stop there. The Study NT Top End T20 Series returns from 20 to 30 August, bringing nine teams and elite short‑format action to venues across Darwin. With Bangladesh touring, Darwin opening Australia's biggest ever summer of cricket, and the T20 Series adding another world‑class event, August is shaping up as one of the most exciting months of cricket the Territory has ever seen."
Quotes from Cricket Australia CEO, Todd Greenberg:
"The return of Test cricket to Darwin after 22 years is a significant moment for Australian cricket and we're very pleased fans in the Northern Territory will have a chance to share the moment with the players.
"We want to bring our champion teams to as many Australian locations as possible and the Westpac Community Event will give people the opportunity to meet the Australian Test team and be part of the excitement ahead of another Summer of Cricket."
Quotes from Cricket NT CEO, Gavin Dovey:
"We are so proud to open the 2026-27 Australian Summer of Cricket right here in the Top End.
"Last year's Westpac Community Event at Darwin Waterfront was an amazing opportunity for thousands of local and inter-state cricket fans to meet their heroes.
"We'd like to thank Westpac for making it happen again and giving our cricket loving community the opportunity to meet a generational Australian Test team"
