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Australia's Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay likely to host Bangladesh in maiden Test in 2026

Akshita Patel

Mackay in contention to become Test venue [Source: @georgiaae01/X.com]Mackay in contention to become Test venue [Source: @georgiaae01/X.com]

Australia could soon see a brand-new Test venue added to its cricket map, with Mackay shaping up to host a Test match against Bangladesh in 2026. If confirmed, it will be a historic moment for the Queensland city and a fresh chapter in Australian Test cricket.

The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay is now leading the race to become Australia’s 12th Test venue. 

Mackay to become a Test venue soon

According to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Brisbane’s famous Gabba is likely to miss out on a Test for the first time since the 1976-77 season. 

With uncertainty surrounding Gabba's future, Mackay has stepped forward as a strong replacement.  

Australia is scheduled to welcome Bangladesh in August 2026 for a two-Test series. While Cricket Australia is yet to officially announce the venues, Mackay is in a strong position ahead of Cairns, Darwin, and Townsville, which are also in the race. 

These northern cities are being considered because of their warm, year-round weather, which makes winter Test cricket possible.

Darwin, which has already hosted Tests in the past, is still pushing hard. Cricket Northern Territory CEO Gavin Dovey has said he is cautiously bullish about Darwin getting one of the matches. 

However, Mackay seems to have the edge, especially after investing more than $20 million in upgrading its stadium. The venue now includes a 10,000-seat grandstand, modern broadcast facilities, and elite training areas. 

Mackay previously hosted ODI games

The ground has already proven it can handle international matches. It hosted two men’s ODIs between Australia and South Africa in August 2025, as well as women’s internationals in previous years. 

All matches reportedly drew sold-out crowds, showing a strong local appetite for top-level cricket.

If Mackay is confirmed, it will also mark Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia since 2003, when matches were held in Darwin and Cairns, and Australia won the series 2-0.