Darwin set for Test return after 22 years

Darwin, 29 August 2025:

Darwin is favoured to host its first Test since 2004 as Cricket Australia (CA) looks to split next year’s two-match series against Bangladesh between the Northern Territory and North Queensland.

The series, part of the World Test Championship, was brought forward from 2027 to mid-2026, marking Australia’s first winter Tests in more than two decades. Darwin last staged a Test against Sri Lanka in 2004.

CA chief executive Todd Greenberg said the city was well placed after impressing players during this month’s white-ball matches against South Africa.

“Ideally we will spread the series,” Greenberg said. “The Territory has a strong appetite for more cricket, and conditions there are excellent once you take weather out of the equation.”

Mackay’s upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena is also in contention, alongside Cairns and Townsville. A Test in Mackay would be its first, while Cairns has hosted two previously. Townsville has fallen behind due to lighting issues.

A Queensland venue would count as the state’s Test for the 2026-27 summer, with the Gabba missing out when New Zealand tour.

Greenberg said CA wants to expand winter internationals in the Top End to ease pressure on the peak summer.

“We had near-capacity crowds in the white-ball games,” he said. “International cricket is played year-round, and we want Australia to reflect that.”