Joyful Take.

From the edition of August 15, 2026 Warm, curious, carefully sourced takes on the day's most interesting stories. Translate
Sports · Related read

How to Watch AUS vs BAN 2026 Tests in Australia

Seven and 7plus carry the Tests free in Australia, while Foxtel and Kayo have the subscription coverage. Here are the dates and daily start times.

2 min read August 15, 2026 edition
A blank television screen, a small radio, a steaming cup and a red cricket ball arranged on a sunny low table.
One screen, one radio and enough daylight for a proper Test afternoon. Illustration: Joyful Take.

The useful number in Darwin is 10:00. That is the scheduled local start each day, with the first session ending at noon and the last due to finish at 5:00 p.m. A five-day match that aims to hand back the evening is a civilized bit of planning.

Australian viewing at a glance

Free television
Seven
Free streaming
7plus, with ads
Subscription coverage
Foxtel and Kayo Sports
Darwin Test
August 13-17, 10:00 a.m. local time
Mackay Test
August 22-26, 10:00 a.m. AET

The four ways to watch in Australia

Cricket Australia's broadcast-partner page says Seven and 7plus carry every men's home Test, as do Foxtel and Kayo Sports. For this series specifically, the official fixture page displays all four services beside both Tests. That makes the choice fairly plain: Seven or 7plus for free coverage, Foxtel or Kayo for viewers who already use the paid services.

The independent Australian listing service Flicks also lists the Darwin match on Kayo, Foxtel and 7plus, describing 7plus as free with advertising. Provider sign-in rules, supported devices and subscription terms can change, so check the live listing on the device you plan to use before play.

Darwin runs on Top End time

The first Test is scheduled for August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium. Cricket Australia's live guide sets out three sessions: 10:00 a.m. to noon, 12:40 p.m. to 2:40 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. locally. On Australia's east coast, the listed opening time is 10:30 a.m. AET. Up to 30 extra minutes can be used to complete the day's overs.

The gaps are easy to remember: 40 minutes for lunch after noon, then 20 minutes for tea after 2:40 p.m. If work swallows the opening session, 12:40 is a tidy re-entry point. Test cricket is unusually forgiving that way. A missed hour is not a missed match.

Mackay starts half an hour earlier on an east-coast clock

The second Test moves to Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22-26. Its scheduled first ball is 10:00 a.m. AET, according to both the series listing and Flicks. Same teams, same four viewing services, slightly kinder alarm.

Radio listeners have a clean route too. Cricket Australia's live fixture lists ABC and SEN alongside the television services. Pick the screen or the call, set one reminder five minutes before play, and leave room for tea. Test cricket supplies the pleasant permission to miss an over.

Sources

Every factual claim above traces to one of these. Links open in a new tab.

  1. Australia v Bangladesh Tests 2026 - MenCricket Australia, Accessed 2026-08-15.
  2. Our Broadcast PartnersCricket Australia, Accessed 2026-08-15.
  3. LIVE BLOG: Smith departs as Aussies stare down the barrelCricket Australia, 2026-08-15.
  4. Bangladesh returning to Australia with Darwin Tests locked inNorthern Territory Cricket, Accessed 2026-08-15.
  5. Bangladesh v Australia, Test 1 - Day 1 viewing listingFlicks Australia, Accessed 2026-08-15.
  6. Summer of Cricket ticketsTicketek Australia, Accessed 2026-08-15.