Darwin set for Test opener as Australia, Bangladesh bring world’s fastest pace attacks

Brisbane, 12 July 2026:

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has warned his batters to prepare for one of Test cricket’s fastest pace attacks when Bangladesh opens a two-match series at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on Aug. 13.

Australia and Bangladesh have produced the two quickest fast-bowling groups in Test cricket since March 2024, with more than 20% of deliveries from each side’s seamers exceeding 140 kph, according to CricViz data.

Bangladesh’s attack is expected to be led by Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam. Rana, the fastest bowler in Test cricket since his debut, has already troubled Australia, taking 4-41 in the opening ODI of Bangladesh’s historic series victory in Dhaka in June.

“Rana got us in the first game,” McDonald told Cricket.com.au. “We hadn’t had a look at him and he comes in with a different action.”

McDonald said Bangladesh’s recent results showed the tourists could no longer be underestimated. The Tigers have defeated New Zealand and Pakistan in Test cricket since 2022 and built their rise around a growing group of fast bowlers.

“They’ve got a pace attack that, in Australia, could be pretty potent,” McDonald said. “We’re going to have to do our homework.”

Australia will counter with its experienced pace unit, while Nathan Lyon remains hopeful of recovering from a hamstring injury in time for the series. McDonald believes Australia’s spin depth could provide a point of difference, particularly against Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam, who has yet to play a Test in Australian conditions.

With both teams possessing formidable bowling attacks, McDonald expects batting performances to decide the series.

“Runs are going to be where that series is won or lost,” he said.

The opening Test will be played from Aug. 13-17 in Darwin, followed by the second Test from Aug. 22-26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.