Arabic version: أستراليا وبنغلادش تستعدان لسلسلة اختبارات في الشمال

According to ABC News, Australia will host Bangladesh in a two-Test series in August, with matches scheduled in Darwin and Mackay during the northern dry season.

The first Test begins on Thursday, August 13, at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. The opening session is scheduled for 10am ACST, or 10:30am AEST. The second Test starts on Saturday, August 22, at Harrup Park in Mackay, with the first ball set for 10am AEST. Each match is scheduled for five days.

Marrara Oval will stage its third men’s Test and its first since Sri Lanka toured in July 2004. Australia won its previous two Tests in Darwin, including an innings-and-132-run victory over Bangladesh in 2003. Harrup Park has never hosted a men’s Test and will become the 12th Australian ground to do so.

Australia named Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon in a strong squad after their injury lay-offs. Bangladesh will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto but will be without fast bowler Nahid Rana because of a left-side strain and Shoriful Islam due to a hamstring injury. Taijul Islam also suffered a hand blow in a warm-up match.

Bangladesh have lost only one of their past five Tests, including a 2-0 series win over Pakistan in May. The teams have met six times in Tests, with Bangladesh recording a 20-run win in Mirpur in 2017. Bangladesh have not beaten Australia in Australia, losing both Tests played there in 2003.