Today launched public ticket sales for the Australia v Bangladesh Test match at a picturesque Nightcliff Jetty, as the sun rose on the reality of the red-ball format returning to Darwin.
A group of passionate fans were up before sunrise to meet Jake Weatherald and help mark the occasion, with tickets now officially on sale for the blockbuster fixture at TIO Stadium from 13 to 17 August. The match will see Test cricket return to Darwin for the first time in 22 years, giving Territory fans the chance to be part of a historic moment for sport in the Top End. The landmark event will deliver five days of world-class action while attracting visitors from across Australia and beyond.
Darwin’s Test forms part of the Northern Australia Series, which also extends to Mackay, and will feature Australia and Bangladesh in one of the opening fixtures of Cricket Australia’s 2026–27 International Schedule.
The return of Test cricket is expected to deliver a significant economic boost to the Territory, building on the success of last year’s two T20 Internationals between Australia and South Africa. According to figures provided by Tourism and Events NT, the two sold-out matches generated $4.25 million in economic stimulus and 7,391 visitor nights.
The August fixture will open a record-breaking Australian summer, with the 2026–27 International Schedule set to be the biggest season in Australian international cricket history, spanning from August through to March.The bumper eight-month program features 27 international matches across 14 venues, anchored by a historic 150th Anniversary Test.
The match reinforces Darwin’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination for world-class sporting experiences and strengthens the Territory’s position on the national cricket calendar.
The Darwin Test is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through Tourism and Events NT. The match will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history. Grab your tickets at: cricket.com.au
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby said that bringing Test cricket back to the Territory was about growing the visitor economy and restoring the Territory lifestyle.
"I’m thrilled that in our year of growth, certainty, and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is bringing Test cricket back to the Territory after 22 years," Minister Boothby said.
"There’s nothing like the energy of a Test match in Darwin, and we are proud to kickstart an historic summer of cricket right here in the Top End."
"We’re backing sport and major events because they attract visitors to see more, do more, and spend more in the Territory – filling our hotels, bars, tour operators, and restaurants."
"We also know that Territorians love their sport – especially their cricket. It’s a huge part of our unique lifestyle here in the Territory, and we are absolutely committed to restoring that lifestyle for a new generation of Territorians once again."
'Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls, said that the test match was unmissable.
"This is a historic Test match that Territorians simply won’t want to miss. The last time Test cricket was played in Darwin, a young Jake Weatherald was sitting in the stands dreaming of playing for Australia," Minister Charls said.
"Now, he’s local royalty taking to the pitch himself. We hope bringing Test cricket back to the Territory inspires even more homegrown superstars to follow in his footsteps."
"We’re expecting thousands of passionate fans to fill TIO Stadium across the match, and the atmosphere is going to be electric. Tickets will go fast, so we urge everyone to secure their seats early and be a part of Top End sporting history."
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg:
"The Darwin Test will be a great occasion, and I encourage fans to jump online and get their tickets.
"The response during the CricketPlus pre-sale period for the Test in Darwin has been very strong, and it looks like we'll have great crowds for what will be a significant occasion for Northern Territory Cricket.
"We are grateful for the support from the Northern Territory Government and NT Cricket as we work together to return Test cricket to Darwin for fans, 22 years after it was last played here."
CEO of Cricket NT, Gavin Dovey said that the Territory was looking forward to welcoming both the Australian and the Bangladeshi men’s test teams to Darwin in August.
"Our ability to host international cricket during the Australian winter presents an incredible opportunity for both the Northern Territory and Australian cricket, and it is wonderful to see that opportunity being realised," Mr Dovey said.
"Last year’s T20 Internationals here in Darwin sold out in record time, and with tickets now on sale for the Test Match, we encourage fans to put in their leave requests for the Thursday and Friday and secure seats early."
"With limited reserved grandstand seating available, demand is expected to be strong, particularly from fans wanting to lock in one of the best views of Test cricket’s return to the Top End."
Cricket Australia contracted player Jake Weatherald:
"It's fantastic that Test cricket will return to Darwin after 22 years and I hope we get a huge turn out from local fans.
"The chance to see the national team will inspire a lot of kids to pick up a bat and ball like it did with me and will give cricket in the Territory a big boost.
"I'm really excited by the possibility of playing in front of family and friends up here and taking on what will be a strong Bangladesh line-up."