Australia vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Day 1. The second and final Test between Australia and Bangladesh begins on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, Queensland. After Bangladesh’s historic nine-wicket win in Darwin, Australia will be desperate to level the series and avoid a first-ever Test series defeat at home to the Tigers.
Mackay’s debut Test venue is expected to offer a typical Australian surface with good pace and bounce, but with enough assistance for spinners as the match progresses. Early moisture and tropical humidity could help the seamers on Day 1, while the pitch is likely to wear and offer turn to Nathan Lyon and Mehidy Hasan Miraz by Days 3–5.
Weather-wise, conditions look ideal for uninterrupted cricket. Forecasts suggest daytime highs of 21–25°C, overnight lows of 13–17°C, and only a slight shower risk on the opening days. Humidity may hover around 70–75%, but rain interruptions appear unlikely.
This Test carries huge significance for both sides in the World Test Championship standings and for pride after Darwin. For Australia, it’s about restoring order after a shock home defeat and proving their depth ahead of a busy international summer. For Bangladesh, it’s a chance to make history again – a series win in Australia would be unprecedented and cement their status as a serious Test nation.
AUS vs BAN Match Details
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Match/League/Season: Australia vs Bangladesh
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Date: Saturday, August 22 to Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (5-day
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Time: 10:00 AM local (AEST) / 5:30 AM IST daily; toss around 5:00 AM IST
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Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena (formerly Harrup Park)
AUS vs BAN Live Streaming Info
Australia vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test—Live Streaming & TV Channels (Country-wise)
Here’s where you can watch the 1st Test live, depending on your location.
- India: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, etc.).
- Australia TV: Channel 7 (free-to-air). Online: 7plus Sport (free with registration), Kayo Sports (paid).
- Bangladesh TV: T Sports, BTV, or Gazi TV. Online: Toffee app/website or BCB digital partners.
- United Kingdom TV/Online: DAZN (free with registration).
- USA & Canada Online: Willow TV (via Sling TV, FuboTV, or the Willow app).
- Middle East & North Africa TV/Online: beIN Sports / beIN Connect.
- Rest of the World Online: DAZN (in supported countries), or use a VPN for JioHotstar / 7plus / DAZN. Highlights may appear on Cricket Australia’s YouTube.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
Watch the match for free in Australia on 7plus Sport, in the UK on DAZN (with a registered account), or via ball-by-ball updates on Cricbuzz/ESPNcricinfo; elsewhere, use a VPN to access 7plus, DAZN, or JioHotstar’s free mobile stream.
Live Streaming Info:
The 2nd Test match will be live on Willow Cricket.
Live Score Info:
Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Match 2026: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
Current Form & Momentum
Australia come into this match under pressure. Their batting collapsed twice in Darwin, managing just 198 and 161/4 declared, while their bowlers struggled to contain Bangladesh’s disciplined chase. The return of Matthew Renshaw and the retention of Nathan Lyon signal a desire for more stability and control.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are riding a wave of confidence. Their nine-wicket win in Darwin was their first Test victory on Australian soil and came after a strong run of form, including four wins in their last five Tests. Hasan Mahmud’s 6-55 in Darwin and Mehidy’s all-round contributions have given them genuine belief.
Head-to-Head Summary (Tests)
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Total Tests played: 7
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Australia wins: 5
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Bangladesh wins: 2
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Last five meetings:
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1st Test, Darwin 2026 – Bangladesh won by 9 wickets
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2nd Test, Chittagong 2024 – Australia won
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1st Test, Dhaka 2024 – Australia won
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2nd Test, Dhaka 2021 – Bangladesh won by 8 wickets
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1st Test, Dhaka 2021 – Australia won
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Bangladesh have now won two of the last seven Tests between these sides, including the most recent encounter.
Team Analysis
Australia
Strengths: Experienced top order (Smith, Labuschagne, Head), quality pace trio (Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood), and Lyon’s spin on a wearing pitch.
Weaknesses: Batting fragility in Darwin, over-reliance on Smith, and questions around the middle order’s ability to build long innings.
Key Players: Steve Smith (anchor), Pat Cummins (leadership & wickets), Nathan Lyon (spin control).
Bangladesh
Strengths: Confident batting unit, potent seam attack led by Hasan Mahmud, and Mehidy’s all-round value.
Weaknesses: Inconsistency in the middle order away from home, and reliance on Shanto and Mushfiqur for big scores.
Key Players: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain & backbone), Hasan Mahmud (strike bowler), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (spin & runs).
Probable Playing XIs
Australia Probable XI: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Bangladesh Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain
Australia are favorites on paper, especially with their pace battery and home conditions, but Bangladesh’s confidence and recent form make them dangerous. If the pitch offers early seam movement, Bangladesh could trouble Australia’s top order again. However, Australia’s depth and experience should see them level the series. Prediction: Australia to win by an innings or 60–80 runs.