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Australia will look to level the two-match Test series when they face Bangladesh in the second and final Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22 to 26. The hosts are under enormous pressure after suffering a historic nine-wicket defeat in Darwin, while Bangladesh will enter the contest with the confidence of having already secured their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
The second Test will also be a landmark occasion for Mackay, with the Great Barrier Reef Arena set to host its first men’s Test. It becomes Australia’s 12th Test venue, adding another layer of significance to an already intriguing contest.
Match: Australia vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Bangladesh tour of Australia 2026
Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Date: August 22-26, 2026
Time: 5:30 AM IST / 10:00 AM local time
Australia have their backs against the wall after Bangladesh produced one of the biggest upsets in their Test history in Darwin. The Tigers bowled Australia out for 198 in the first innings and then restricted them to 284 in the second before chasing down a target of 57 with ease.
Cameron Green’s century was one of the few bright spots for Australia, while Hasan Mahmud’s nine wickets and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s five-wicket haul in the second innings powered Bangladesh to a memorable victory.
The defeat has already resulted in one major selection change, with opener Jake Weatherald dropped after scores of 23 and 0. Matthew Renshaw has been recalled to the Test squad after a three-year absence.
Australia are expected to make at least one change following their defeat in Darwin.
Renshaw is the most likely replacement for Weatherald at the top of the order. The Queenslander has 645 Test runs from 14 matches and will be hoping to provide greater stability alongside Travis Head.
Marnus Labuschagne will also be under significant scrutiny after continuing his difficult run of form. Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that the experienced batter needs to produce substantial runs in Mackay to strengthen his position in the team.
Alex Carey is set to play his 50th Test, while Australia’s formidable bowling quartet of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon will be expected to deliver a much-improved performance.
Scott Boland and Josh Inglis are also options for Australia, but the hosts could opt to back their established combination
Predicted XI: Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
Bangladesh have very little reason to alter the side that produced such a comprehensive performance in Darwin.
Bangladesh are likely to retain their winning XI despite having Shoriful Islam available after recovering from a hamstring injury.
That is understandable given how effectively their bowling unit operated in Darwin. Hasan Mahmud was outstanding with the new ball, while Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain complemented him superbly. Mehidy also provided the crucial spin threat.
The batting unit will be led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das providing considerable experience in the middle order
Predicted XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
Australia have historically dominated Bangladesh in Test cricket, but the gap has narrowed considerably.
The two teams have now met seven times in Test cricket, with Australia winning five and Bangladesh winning two. There have been no drawn or tied matches between them.
Matches Played: 07
Won by Australia: 05
Won by Bangladesh: 02
Tied / No Result / Drawn: 00
The biggest unknown heading into the match will be the nature of the pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, which is hosting its first men’s Test.
Unlike Darwin’s Marrara Stadium, where the surface played a major role in Bangladesh’s success, Mackay could offer conditions more familiar to Australian cricket. The venue is in Queensland’s subtropical north, and the pitch is expected to provide a good contest between bat and ball.
The new ball could offer pace and bounce to Australia’s fast bowlers, particularly early in the match. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will be eager to exploit any movement available.
As the Test progresses, however, spin could become increasingly important. Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be a major threat if the surface begins to deteriorate.
The weather could also influence conditions, with the tropical location making overhead conditions an important factor. Given the lack of established Test history at the venue, the toss could assume additional importance.
For Australia, Cameron Green will be the player to watch after his fighting century in Darwin. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could be crucial.
Bangladesh will once again look towards Hasan Mahmud, who was named Player of the Match after claiming nine wickets in the opening Test.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also be vital, particularly if the Mackay surface begins offering assistance to spin.
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