Mackay will make cricket history this August, hosting its first-ever international Test match.<\/p>\n
Cricket Australia confirmed on Wednesday, 25 February, that the Great Barrier Reef Arena will stage the second Test of the 2026 NRMA Insurance Men\u2019s Test Series against Bangladesh. The match runs from 22\u201326 August 2026, with play starting at 10am local time each day, giving fans the chance to watch world-class cricket on home turf.<\/p>\n
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was excited to build on the success of the two one day internationals played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Australia versus South Africa games were tremendous. \u00a0Both games were sell-outs and they showed us that we can attract strong crowds to our region for these world-class matches,\u201d Mayor Williamson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo their credit, the team at the Great Barrier Reef Arena also showed that they can deliver matches of this calibre and cater for crowds in excess of 5000 without a hitch,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Test match is going to be an exciting first for us and council is extremely proud to be able to play our part in bringing this Test to our region with the Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program.\u201d<\/p>\n
CEO of Great Barrier Reef Arena Adrian Young said this was a defining moment for the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cHosting our first Test match is recognition that Mackay has earned its place on the international stage,\u201d Mr Young said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also reflects the confidence that Cricket Australia has in our venue, our team and our community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have consistently demonstrated over several years that we can deliver elite international women\u2019s and men\u2019s cricket at the highest standard.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we continue to plan for Stage 2 of the venue\u2019s development and look forward to playing a part in the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, this Test match cements Great Barrier Reef Arena\u2019s reputation as northern Australia\u2019s premier cricket venue.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said northern Australia was perfectly positioned to host high-quality Test cricket outside the traditional summer window.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re delighted to bring Test cricket to Mackay and look forward to a fantastic series against Bangladesh,\u201d Mr Greenberg said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is no secret the international calendar is now crowded and we\u2019re fortunate to have world class facilities available in August ensuring we have another window for Test cricket outside summer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat Barrier Reef Arena has proven to be an outstanding venue for international cricket in recent seasons and we\u2019re grateful to the Queensland Government, Mackay Regional Council and Harrup Park for their strong support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mackay will make history this August, hosting its first-ever international Test match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena as part of the 2026 NRMA Insurance Men\u2019s Test Series against Bangladesh from 22\u201326 August. Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Arena<\/p>\n
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