Published on: Aug 11, 2026 10:29 pm IST | Updated on: Aug 12, 2026 2:10 pm IST
After 23 long years, Bangladesh’s wait to play a Test series in Australia is finally over. Bangladesh is all set to play 2-Test matches against the mighty Aussies starting on August 13 at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin. The first of the two tests will be played in Darwin, followed by a test match at the Great Barrier Reef in Mackay on August 22. This will be a historic game for Bangladesh, as their only Test on Australian soil came way back in 2003, which saw Australia take the honors quite convincingly. That Bangladesh team and this Bangladesh team have a stark difference, but Australian power at home would be tough to beat. It is going to be a great game between the dominant Aussies and the spirited Bangladeshi side. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st Test match, AUS vs BAN at the Marrara Cricket Stadium in Darwin.
The hosts, Australia, are the hot favorites to not only win this Test match but also to blank the Bangladesh Tigers 2-0 in the series. A win here for Australia is almost inevitable, and there’s no doubt over the fact that the win probability meter should lean in favor of the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st Test match, AUS vs BAN at the Marrara Cricket Stadium in Darwin.
BAN: 12% win chance AUS: 88% win chance
In Australia's last Test series, i.e., the Ashes against England, Travis ended as the top run-getter in the series. Expect him to start from where he left off in the Ashes.
Australia's veteran batter must be eyeing to perform well in the format he has excelled the most in on the international stage. Having played a lot of T20 franchise cricket oflate, it's time for Smith to transform in the format he loves the most and deliver for Australia.
The Bangladesh skipper has been in terrific form in red-ball cricket oflate. The left-hander has scored 813 runs in his last 9 Test matches at a brilliant average of 54.2. He remains a lynchpin in the middle order.
On his first and probably the last Test tour of Australia, Bangladesh's veteran Mushfiqur Rahim will look to deliver to the best of his abilities in this game. Talking about his recent form, the right-hander has scored 799 in his last 9 est matches at a fabulous average of 53.27.
Check out our prediction for the AUS vs BAN 1st Test match at the Marrara Cricket Stadium in Darwin.
What Bangladesh has achieved in recent times in Test cricket demonstrates their willingness to do well in the purest format of the game. Two series clean sweeps against Pakistan, both at home and away, have infused confidence in this Bangladesh line-up. Yes, they lost to Zimbabwe in a Test before heading to Australia and even had a losing start to their Australian tour in the practice game against Cricket Australia XI; the only thing that would matter before heading into the first Test would be the spirit Bangladesh carries with them.
It’s a historic moment for them to play a Test match after 23 long years on Australian soil, and the likes of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, etc., will look to make the most of this opportunity. Having defeated Australia once in a Test match at home in 2017, Bangladesh can draw inspiration from that game and enter this Test match with nothing to lose but everything to gain.
For Bangladesh, this is more than just another Test; it’s a chance to challenge Australia in their backyard, to show resilience, and to script a new chapter in their cricketing journey. The question is whether their belief and recent form can translate into a breakthrough performance against one of the toughest opponents in world cricket.
Australia will begin the Darwin Test against Bangladesh as firm favorites, backed by history and home advantage. Interestingly, the only time they hosted Bangladesh in a Test match was at this very venue back in 2003, where the Aussies secured a comprehensive victory. Two decades later, they return to Marrara Cricket Ground with a similar intent—to dominate and punish the Tigers in their own backyard.
The pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins will be raring to go, exploiting the bounce and pace that Darwin’s surface traditionally offers. Their ability to strike early and maintain relentless pressure makes them a formidable force. On the batting front, Travis Head’s aggressive stroke play, Steven Smith’s unmatched consistency, and Alex Carey’s resilience provide Australia with depth and stability across the order.
With conditions favoring their strengths and a balanced squad at their disposal, Australia will look to assert control from the outset. For Bangladesh, the challenge is immense, but for the hosts, this Test presents an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance and extend their winning record at a venue that has already witnessed their supremacy once before. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 6 AUS won: 5 BAN won: 1 Draw: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form BANGLADESH: W W W W L RECENT form AUSTRALIA: W W W L W
Only 6 Test matches have been played between these two nations. Australia has been the dominant side, winning 5 games, whereas Bangladesh’s only victory came in Mirpur, Dhaka, back in 2017. Nine years later, the two sides will be colliding in a Test match.
How will the two teams, i.e., Bangladesh and Australia, fare in the 1st Test? Let’s take a look.
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st Test between Bangladesh and Australia at the Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin.
With Marrara’s surface offering bounce and pace early before breaking down later, batting first remains the ideal choice. Teams that post 300+ in the first innings usually control the game. Expect the toss winner to opt for batting, aiming to capitalize on fresh conditions and avoid chasing on a deteriorating pitch.
The online live streaming of the 1st Test match of the Bangladesh tour of Australia will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on Star Sports Channels.
No doubt, Bangladesh have been in exquisite form in recent times in red-ball cricket, but playing Australia in Australia is a different ball game altogether. Talking about the favorite to start off in this game, Australia should have a sheer upper hand heading into this contest and make it 1-0 in the series. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Australia, are expected to win the AUS vs BAN 1st Test match.
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