Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test Live Streaming: TV, Online Details

Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test live streaming will be a major focus for cricket fans as the two teams begin their two-match Test series on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The opening match will be played at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, giving Australia another opportunity to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship.

Australia enter the contest as the stronger side on paper and currently sit at the top of the WTC standings with a points percentage of 87.50. Bangladesh, meanwhile, are fourth after four Tests in the current championship cycle and face one of their most challenging assignments of the season.

The match also carries historical significance. Bangladesh are touring Australia for the first time in 23 years, while Darwin is preparing to host a Test match after a gap of 22 years.

Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test: Key details

When will Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test begin?

The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh will begin on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

For viewers in India, the toss is scheduled for 5:30 AM IST, with the first ball expected at 6:00 AM IST.

The early start means Indian viewers will need to tune in during the morning if they want to watch the beginning of the day’s play live.

Where will AUS vs BAN 1st Test be played?

The opening Test will be played at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin.

The venue’s return to Test Cricket is one of the interesting storylines surrounding the series. Darwin has not hosted a Test for 22 years, making the match an important occasion for Australian cricket as well as the local cricket community.

Conditions in Darwin can also add a different dimension to the contest. Both teams will need to adapt quickly because the venue and local conditions can present challenges that are different from Australia’s more established Test centres.

Where to watch Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test live on TV in India?

Indian television viewers can watch the Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test live on the Star Sports Network.

Fans with access to the relevant Star Sports channels can follow the match from the opening delivery through the scheduled sessions of the Test.

For viewers who prefer watching cricket digitally, the online streaming option provides an alternative to television coverage.

Where to watch AUS vs BAN 1st Test live online?

The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh will be available for live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website in India.

This gives viewers the option of following the match on smartphones, tablets, computers and compatible connected devices rather than relying solely on television.

Because the match begins early in the morning for Indian audiences, online streaming could be particularly useful for fans watching away from home.

Australia name a strong playing XI

Australia have selected a powerful combination for the opening Test, with captain Pat Cummins joined by several of the country’s leading red-ball players.

The pace attack includes Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon returns to the side.

The selection of Hazlewood is particularly notable because Scott Boland misses out despite his impressive performances during the recent Ashes series.

Australia’s bowling combination therefore provides Cummins with experience across different styles: Starc offers left-arm pace and variation, Hazlewood brings control and movement, Cummins provides pace and leadership, while Lyon gives the attack a world-class spin option.

Travis Head continues as an opener

Travis Head is again expected to open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald.

Head’s aggressive approach can give Australia a fast start, but the opening position also places him against the new ball, where Bangladesh’s seamers will be looking for early movement.

Behind the openers are Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith, giving Australia a highly experienced middle order.

Cameron Green and Beau Webster also provide all-round options, allowing Australia to balance their batting depth with a five-man bowling attack.

Australia’s playing XI for the first Test

• Jake Weatherald
• Travis Head
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Steven Smith
• Cameron Green
• Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
• Beau Webster
• Mitchell Starc
• Pat Cummins (captain)
• Nathan Lyon
• Josh Hazlewood

Bangladesh face a difficult opening challenge

Bangladesh arrive in Darwin with plenty to prove after a disappointing warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI.

The visitors were bowled out for just 54 runs, with Campbell Thompson claiming eight wickets.

Although a warm-up match should not be treated as a direct prediction of a Test series, such a collapse inevitably raises questions about Bangladesh’s preparation and ability to handle Australia’s bowling attack.

The challenge becomes even greater because Bangladesh have been hit by the absence of Nahid Rana, who was ruled out because of injury before the series.

Bangladesh will therefore need their experienced players to absorb pressure and provide stability against an Australian attack packed with international experience.

Bangladesh squad for the first Test

• Shadman Islam
• Tanzid Hasan Tamim
• Mominul Haque
• Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
• Soumya Sarkar
• Mushfiqur Rahim
• Amite Hasan (wicketkeeper)
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
• Taijul Islam
• Hasan Mahmud
• Khaled Ahmed
• Litton Das
• Taskin Ahmed
• Jaker Ali
• Ebadot Hossain
• Musfik Hasan

Bangladesh’s biggest challenge: surviving Australia’s new-ball attack

The first major battle of the Test could take place during the opening session.

Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood have the experience and skill to exploit any movement available with the new ball. Bangladesh’s top order will therefore need to avoid giving Australia early breakthroughs.

The warm-up collapse against the Cricket Australia XI makes this even more important.

If Bangladesh lose several wickets early, Australia could gain control of the match before their opponents have time to settle into the conditions.

Conversely, if Bangladesh’s opening batters can survive the first spell, the pressure could shift back toward Australia’s bowlers as the innings develops.

Why Nathan Lyon’s return matters

Nathan Lyon’s inclusion gives Australia another major weapon.

The experienced off-spinner is particularly important because Test matches in Australia can change dramatically once the ball becomes older and the pitch begins offering different assistance.

Lyon also allows Cummins to rotate his fast bowlers more effectively, something that could become crucial over a five-day Test.

With Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood operating in three different fast-bowling roles, Lyon’s presence gives Australia a complete attack rather than relying exclusively on pace.

Australia’s WTC motivation is significant

Australia currently sit at the top of the World Test Championship standings with a 87.50 points percentage.

That position gives them a strong foundation, but every Test remains important because the championship is decided through results accumulated over the cycle.

A successful series against Bangladesh would strengthen Australia’s position and keep them on course for another appearance in the WTC final.

For Bangladesh, meanwhile, every opportunity against a top-ranked opponent is valuable. A strong result in Australia could dramatically improve their position and provide confidence for the remainder of the championship cycle.

A historic return to Australia for Bangladesh

The series is particularly significant because Bangladesh are touring Australia for the first time in 23 years.

That long gap means very few members of the current Bangladesh squad will have personal experience of playing a Test series in Australia.

The conditions, pitches, travel and intensity of the Australian environment can therefore represent a substantial adjustment.

For Bangladesh, the tour is not simply another WTC assignment. It is an opportunity to test the country’s Test cricket against one of the strongest sides in world cricket.

Darwin adds another layer to the contest

The venue itself is part of the story.

Marrara Cricket Ground is hosting a Test match after a 22-year gap, making the return an important event for Australian cricket.

The players will also need to adapt to conditions that may differ from the traditional Test venues that regularly feature in Australia’s home schedule.

That uncertainty could create an opportunity for Bangladesh if they adjust more quickly.

Key player battles to watch

Travis Head vs Bangladesh’s new-ball bowlers

Head’s attacking style can put pressure on bowlers quickly, but that aggression also creates opportunities. Bangladesh will need to find a disciplined line and prevent him from controlling the opening exchanges.

Steven Smith vs Bangladesh’s spinners

Smith remains one of Australia’s most experienced Test batters. Bangladesh’s spin options, particularly Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, will have an important role if they can force Smith into uncomfortable positions.

Mitchell Starc vs Bangladesh’s top order

Starc’s left-arm angle can create a difficult challenge for right-handed batters, especially with a new ball. Bangladesh will need to manage his pace without losing wickets early.

Nathan Lyon vs Bangladesh’s middle order

Lyon’s experience could become increasingly important as the Test progresses. Bangladesh’s batters will have to balance defence and scoring against Australia’s premier spinner.

What Australia need to get right

• Start strongly: Australia will want early wickets without overusing their fast bowlers.
• Use the all-rounders effectively: Green and Webster provide additional balance.
• Manage the pace attack: Cummins will need to rotate Starc and Hazlewood intelligently.
• Build a big first innings: A strong batting performance could put Bangladesh under immediate pressure.
• Use Lyon at the right stages: His role could become increasingly important as the match develops.

What Bangladesh need to do differently

• Forget the warm-up collapse: The 54 all out should not dictate their mindset for the Test.
• Respect the new ball: Surviving Australia’s opening spells will be crucial.
• Build partnerships: Bangladesh cannot rely on individual performances against this attack.
• Use spin intelligently: Mehidy and Taijul could play major roles as the Test progresses.
• Stay patient: Australia will expect Bangladesh to make mistakes under pressure.

Prediction: Australia start as clear favourites

Australia enter the first Test with the stronger combination, greater home experience and a bowling attack capable of creating pressure throughout an innings.

Bangladesh’s route into the contest is likely to depend on their top order surviving the opening spells and their bowlers preventing Australia’s middle order from building a huge first-innings advantage.

The warm-up result makes Australia the obvious favourite, but Test cricket rarely follows a simple script. If Bangladesh can remain competitive through the first two sessions, the match could become much more interesting.

Conclusion

Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test live streaming will be available for Indian viewers on the JioHotstar app and website, while television coverage will be provided by the Star Sports Network.

The match begins on Thursday, August 13, with the toss at 5:30 AM IST and the first ball scheduled for 6:00 AM IST at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin.

Australia enter the contest with a full-strength XI and a major WTC objective, while Bangladesh face the difficult task of returning to Australia after 23 years and recovering from a heavy warm-up defeat.

With Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon forming Australia’s bowling attack, the opening Test promises a demanding examination for Bangladesh’s batting lineup.

For Australia, the target is straightforward: begin another WTC campaign with a win. For Bangladesh, the opportunity is bigger than the result alone — it is a chance to show that they can compete in one of the toughest environments in Test cricket.