An image for Mackay

DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh may play in a new Test venue when they 
will visit Australia next year. The Test series will be Bangladesh's first in 
Australia since 2003. 

Cricket Australia's official website cricket.com.au has recently reported 
that Australia could unveil a new Test cricket venue when Bangladesh visit in 
2026, with Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena firming as a host. The stadium 
is set to become Australia's 12th Test venue.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed the northern city will stage a 
Test in Australia's first series after the Ashes, saying, "For the first time 
in half a century there won't be a Test in Brisbane... we will have a Test; 
it will be in Mackay against Bangladesh."

Cricket Australia has yet to announce the venues for the two-Test series 
scheduled for August 2026, but Cairns, Darwin, and Townsville are also in the 
mix as part of the push to bring winter cricket to Australia's tropical 
north. Darwin is considered "cautiously bullish" for hosting a match, 
according to Cricket Northern Territory chief Gavin Dovey.

Bangladesh will be touring Australia for a Test series for the first time 
since 2003, when Darwin and Cairns hosted matches in Australia's 2-0 win. 
Sold-out crowds at Mackay this year suggest the northern venues are gaining 
traction among cricket fans.