Australia adopt 'one week at a time' approach as heavy Test schedule opens in Darwin
On 11 August 2026 wicketkeeper Alex Carey said Australia are taking “one week at a time” as they begin the first Test of a two-match series against Bangladesh in Darwin, a fixture that launches at least 20 Tests for the team over the next 12 months.
The match in Darwin is the first five-dayer in the Top End since 2004 and the two-Test series includes a second match scheduled for Mackay in two weeks. Carey, who was propelled into conversations as the world’s best gloveman after his Ashes performances, said: “It’s been a pretty long winter sitting around ready and preparing for the next game. To be honest, this group of players are really professional in the way that they look after themselves, really experienced with getting themselves up for each Test match and really match-hardened as well. So for myself, I’m excited by what the future has. But in footy terms, one week at a time.” Bangladesh were skittled for 54 in their second innings in a tour match in Darwin against a Cricket Australia XI last week.
The Darwin Tests begin a congested period for Australia that includes an October series in South Africa and, next year, five-Test series overseas against India and England. The South Africa trip is framed in the article as a chance to make up for failures of the past three tours in a country the team has not travelled to for six years.
Questions have been raised about how Australia will manage their bowlers through the compressed schedule after an ageing side limped through a successful if injury-plagued summer. Carey responded to such concerns by saying: “[We’re] not looking too far ahead, it’s a game where we play each ball on its merit and is a contest in itself. We have a really good bowling attack – hopefully they can take 20 wickets each Test match in a short amount of time.”
Captain Pat Cummins returns to the side after playing just one Ashes Test over the summer because of a back issue, and he is joined in the squad by Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, who have also been sidelined. At 33, Cummins is the youngest of Australia’s leading quintet, which also features Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, and all are named in the squad for this match. Quick bowlers Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett, as well as spinner Todd Murphy, were only included as part of the wider training squad.
All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster are in contention for selection and could provide additional bowling options; Webster said: “I’ve always said in the last 12 to 24 months when these conversations come up, it’s surely more of a benefit to have more options in that top seven with the ball, and I certainly don’t see it as a direct competition, I feel like it only adds more options.” Webster has been fielding in slips during training in Darwin and said he feels more confident as a Test player after two years on the team’s fringes. The Tasmanian scored 71 not out and took three wickets in the New Year’s Test, and has scored consistently for Warwickshire in recent months.
Opener Jake Weatherald, 31, arrives in his hometown of Darwin under pressure, averaging just 22 from five Tests. With Mark Waugh declaring Weatherald needs runs against Bangladesh to secure selection for the South Africa tour and the batter having heard the conjecture, Weatherald said: “It always is a challenge, especially when you get people that you respect and stuff like that, say things about your batting or your game. You’re naturally always looking for affirmations and people to respect what you’re doing, but at the same time, that’s a part of cricket.”
The two-Test series continues with the second match scheduled for Mackay in two weeks; Australia’s itinerary also includes an October series in South Africa and the planned five-Test meetings overseas with India and England next year.