DARWIN: It has been a while between innings but Test cricket is finally coming back to the Top End.
Northern Territory Cricket is thrilled with today’s announcement by the Northern Territory Government confirming Australia will officially host Bangladesh in a Men’s Test Match at Marrara Stadium in August 2026, with two more Men’s T20 Internationals returning in 2027.
Darwin’s long-awaited return to the international red-ball calendar after 23 years follows the success of last year’s T20Is against South Africa. The August 2025 T20Is were the first ever played in the NT, drawing capacity crowds and confirming Territorians appetite for world class cricket, in turn paving the way for the return of the game’s most prestigious format.
The new two-year agreement between the NT Government, Cricket Australia and NT Cricket delivering three consecutive years of international cricket in the Top End.
Marrara Stadium has played host to some of the game’s greats. In 2003, Steve Waugh scored his 31st Test hundred in Darwin’s first-ever Test match. In 2004, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne shared the ball in a dominant win over Sri Lanka where a young Lasith Malinga made his Test debut with his trademark bowling action. The return of Test cricket in 2026 will add a new chapter to this proud history.
Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Major Events, Hon Marie-Clare Boothby:
“Last year was a landmark year for sport and major events in the Territory. This year will knock it out of the ground, with international Test cricket in August another in a long run of world-class events to come.
“As we work hard to grow our visitor economy, events like these are essential – attracting visitors from all over the world, filling our restaurants and pubs; touring our unique parks and sites; and helping to put the Territory on the map.”
Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Hon Jinson Charls:
“As a lifelong lover of the game, I know there’s nothing quite like Test cricket. It’s the ultimate test of skill, endurance and character, and to see it played again in Darwin speaks volumes about our facilities and our growing reputation as a destination for world-class sport.
“With Bangladesh coming to town, I know the Bangladeshi community will be especially excited, and this Test is a celebration of Darwin’s proud multicultural community, united by a shared love of cricket. “Hopefully having Territorian Jake Weatherald involved will make it even more special and show young local players what’s possible.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg:
“We are proud to bring international cricket to the Northern Territory over the next two years showcasing cricket as Australia’s national sport. “Test cricket will return to Marrara Stadium meaning some of the world’s best players will help inspire the next generation of NT cricketers.
“We saw fantastic crowds cheer on the Australian Men’s Team during the T20 series last year and it is also exciting to bring T20 international cricket back to Darwin.
“We would like to thank the Northern Territory Government for its commitment to cricket including their investment in infrastructure that will make the NT a significant location in our international fixture over the next two years.”
NT Cricket Chief Executive Officer Gavin Dovey:
“We are absolutely thrilled that International Cricket will return in 2026 and 2027. “Australian’s love affair with Test Cricket was clear to see throughout the recent Ashes so it’s fantastic that Territorians will get to see Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Nathan Lyon in the whites in their own backyard.
“Last year’s T20 Internationals in Darwin were also without doubt one of the sporting highlights of the year so it’s exciting to know those are on the horizon again in 2027.
“I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government and Cricket Australia for partnering with us and showcasing this beautiful part of the country to thousands of inter-state visitors and to the billions of cricket fans around the world.”
