AUS vs BAN Match Prediction : 2nd Test, Bangladesh tour of Australia, 2026

Australia will look to avoid a historic series defeat when they face Bangladesh in the second and final Test of the series. The match will begin on Saturday, August 22, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

Bangladesh stunned Australia in the opening Test in Darwin, winning by nine wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Australia now have to win in Mackay to avoid losing the two-match series, while Bangladesh have a golden opportunity to complete one of the biggest achievements in their Test history.

Australia vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Record

Bangladesh holds a 2-1 advantage over Australia in the previous three Tests played between them. The rivalry has been tight, but Bangladesh has grabbed the decisive moments more often, including the most recent meeting. Overall, though, Australia has been dominant against all nations and is still the best Test team in the world.

AUS vs BAN Team Previews

Australia

Australia suffered one of the most surprising defeats in their recent Test history in Darwin. They were dismissed for just 198 in the first innings and never recovered after Bangladesh built a massive lead. The hosts eventually lost by nine wickets and now find themselves under enormous pressure heading into the final Test.

The biggest change is at the top of the order. Jake Weatherald has been dropped after scoring 23 and 0 in the first Test, with Matt Renshaw recalled to the squad. Renshaw is expected to open alongside Travis Head and will have a major opportunity to cement his place in the side.

Australia will continue to rely heavily on Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green in the batting department. Green was one of the few positives from the first Test, scoring a century in the second innings. However, Australia need significantly better contributions from their top order if they are to level the series.

Pat Cummins will once again lead the pace attack, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood providing plenty of experience. Scott Boland is also in contention for selection. Nathan Lyon remains Australia’s specialist spinner, although the hosts could make changes depending on the conditions in Mackay.

Australia Expected Playing 11

Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon

Check Out: Best Cricket Betting Sites

Bangladesh

Bangladesh produced a historic performance in Darwin to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The visitors outplayed Australia across all departments and registered their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil. They now head into Mackay with confidence and a realistic chance of winning the series.

Tanzid Hasan played a key role with the bat in the first Test, while the experienced middle order also showed the patience required to succeed in Australian conditions. Bangladesh will once again depend on Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to provide stability.

The bowling attack was the biggest difference between the two sides in Darwin. Hasan Mahmud was exceptional in the first innings, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a crucial role in the second. Taskin Ahmed will continue to lead the pace attack, with Bangladesh hoping for another disciplined performance from its seamers.

Bangladesh Expected Playing 11

Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain

AUS vs BAN Toss Prediction

We expect the toss winner to bat first. Bangladesh’s spinners and Australia’s quicks both benefit from scoreboard pressure in Tests, and early runs usually set the tone in Australian conditions.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay will host its first-ever men’s Test match, making the surface something of an unknown quantity. Australia could use local conditions to their advantage, but the pitch is expected to offer assistance to the quicker bowlers early in the match.

The new ball should move around, particularly during the opening sessions. As the surface dries out, batting could become easier, while the spinners may come into the contest later in the game. The team batting first will need to show patience, especially against the new ball.

The weather in Mackay is expected to remain warm, although cloud cover could assist the seamers at different stages.

AUS vs BAN : Who Will Win?

The first Test proved that Bangladesh cannot be underestimated. However, Australia remain a formidable side at home and will be desperate to produce a strong response after their defeat in Darwin.

The recall of Matt Renshaw strengthens Australia’s options at the top of the order, while the return of a more settled batting performance should give the hosts a better chance of controlling the match. Australia also possess an experienced pace attack capable of exploiting helpful conditions in Mackay.

Bangladesh will arrive with enormous confidence and have the bowling attack to remain competitive. However, Australia’s desperation, home conditions, and overall depth make them the stronger side for this must-win Test.

Bet on Australia to win.