Australia will host Bangladesh in the first of two Test matches in Darwin, as the two nations continue their series across multiple formats this winter.

The 1st Test will start on Thursday, August 13, with the first ball to be bowled at 10:30 AEST. The match is scheduled to last five days (if needed), with it concluding at the latest on Monday, August 17.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Australia to win

Value bet: Josh Hazelwood as Australia leading wicket-taker

Long shot: Steven Smith to Reach 100+ Runs

Betting Preview

The two nations will turn their attention to red-ball cricket after playing six games with the white ball. Australia had contrasting fortunes in those games, losing the ODI series 2-1 before winning the T20I series 3-0.

The hosts have gone with a strong squad here, and have named their established core of stars including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Alex Carey.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have a couple of major fast-bowling absences, with Nahid Rana out with a side injury and Shoriful Islam is recovering from a hamstring strain. Their likely side leans heavily on senior batting, with Shanto, Mominul, Litton Das and Mushfiqur likely to be crucial to their chances of success.

The spin partnership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam could also come into play for the visitors, as Darwin’s unusual weather conditions could play a role.

This is Darwin’s first Test in 22 years, with the surface being a newly prepared drop-in wicket.

Betting Markets to Watch

Australia are considered to be the overwhelming favourites in the early betting markets. They are 5-1 against Bangladesh in Test matches, and their quick bowlers have taken wickets at 20.75 runs apiece over the past two years, highlighting the seam quality they have within their ranks.

At the same time, Bangladesh will be depleted due to star absences, particularly with the ball, which could make their life even more challenging. Sure, they have exceptional spin quality, but they need to make sure they remain in the game by the time the spinners hit the wicket. 

If they don’t, Australia could put a significant total on the board against the seamers and be out of sight.

For Australia, Starc, Cummins, and Hazelwood will likely be among the leading wicket-takers for the 1st Test if they play, with the new ball arguably being Bangladesh’s biggest concern.

Steve Smith is an interesting option to watch in this Test. Bangladesh are the only current WTC opposition against whom Smith has not made a Test hundred. This could add an interesting angle to the betting value on offer.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Australia vs Bangladesh betting odds at Sportsbet.

We are predicting that Australia will win the 1st Test match in Darwin. Our value bet is on Josh Hazelwood to be the leading wicket-taker . He is five wickets short of 300 Test wickets and faces a batting group likely to be tested outside off early.

Our long shot is in the ‘ Steven Smith to Reach 100+ Runs ’ market. He may feel he has a personal agenda in this one, which may motivate him even more.