Sports
Australia's Packed Cricket Schedule: Four Tests Against New Zealand in 31 Days
Cricket Australia has released a busy schedule that includes four Tests versus New Zealand in 31 days. Following the series against New Zealand, the Australian team will immediately tour India for five Tests.
The Cricket Australia schedule, revealed Sunday, features a demanding Test period between December 9 and January 8. The summer schedule begins in August with two matches versus Bangladesh in Darwin and Mackay. The summer concludes with a day-night match against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) commemorating the 150th anniversary. Australia may play 21 Tests in a 12-month period amid the expanded schedule. Prior to the home summer, Australia will play three Tests in South Africa in October.
Key Facts
- Australia will play four Tests against New Zealand over 31 days.
- The Test series against New Zealand begins December 9 in Perth.
- Following the New Zealand series, Australia will tour India for five Tests.
- The schedule starts with two Tests against Bangladesh in August.
- A 150-year anniversary match against England will be held at the MCG.
- None of the Test matches against New Zealand are day-night matches.
- Australia may play 21 Test matches within 12 months.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- WAtoday — Four Tests in 31 days: Australia's brutal summer schedule revealed before India tour
- Yahoo!7 News — Four Tests in 31 days: cricket's cluttered new schedule
- Fox Sports — Australia 2026 summer of cricket dates and schedule | Aussie Test matches 2026-27, tour of South Africa, tour of India, New Zealand summer Tests, latest news