Australia and New Zealand to play four Tests in four weeks, pacers in for a stern challenge

Published - 22 Mar 2026, 22:06 IST | Updated - 22 Mar 2026, 22:07 IST

Australia are gearing up for a gruelling 11 months of cricketing action, starting from August this year. They will be playing 21 Tests during this period. However, if there is one particular series that will test their physical and mental strength, it is the one they will play against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand later this year.

The former World Test Champions will lock horns with the Kiwis in a four-match Test series. New Zealand will play more than three Tests in a series for the first time since 1999. The matches are scheduled to be held in Perth (December 9-13), Adelaide (17-21), Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 4-8), the dates confirmed as Cricket Australia (CA) released its full 2026-27 schedule.

So, the two teams will have to play four Tests in four weeks, which is going to be a major challenge for the players, especially the fast bowlers.

Australia's season starts with a home Test series against Bangladesh and concludes with the 150th anniversary match against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Before the New Zealand series, they have a few challenging assignments. Pat Cummins and Co. will travel to South Africa to play three ODIs and three Tests in September-October. The Men in Yellow will return home in November and play three ODIs and five T20Is against England before the Kiwis arrive.

Meanwhile, Australia's women will face Bangladesh (October) and New Zealand (February-March) at home with an away ODI series in Sri Lanka on the FTP for December. On Friday, Cricket South Africa confirmed a multi-format series in March-April 2027, which will include a one-off Test.

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First Test: August 13 - 17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 10amSecond Test: August 22 - 26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 10am

Friday, October 9: Allan Border Field, Brisbane, 1.50pm (D/N)Sunday, October 11: Allan Border Field, Brisbane, 1.50pm (D/N)Wednesday, October 14: Allan Border Field, Brisbane, 1.50pm (D/N)

Sunday, October 18: North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 7.15pm (N)Tuesday, October 20: North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 7.15pm (N)Thursday, October 22: North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 7.15pm (N)

Friday, November 13: Perth Stadium, Perth, 11.30am (D/twilight)Sunday, November 15: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 2pm (D/N)Wednesday, November 18: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, 2.30pm (D/N)

Saturday, November 21: MCG, Melbourne, 7.15pm (N)Tuesday, November 24: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast, 6.15pm (N)Friday, November 27: The Gabba, Brisbane, 6.15pm (N)Sunday, November 29: SCG, Sydney, 7.15pm (N)Wednesday, December 2: Manuka Oval, Canberra, 7.15pm (N)

First Test: December 9 - 13, Perth Stadium, Perth, 10.20amSecond Test: December 17 - 21: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 11amThird Test: December 26 - 30: MCG, Melbourne, 10.30amFourth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 10.30am

Sunday, February 21: North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 1.30pm (D)Wednesday, February 24: Manuka Oval, Canberra, 7.15pm (N)Friday, February 26: CitiPower Centre, Melbourne, 7.15pm (N)

Monday, March 1: CitiPower Centre, Melbourne, 2.50pm (D/N)Friday, March 5: Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide, 2.20pm (D/N)Sunday, March 7: Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide, 2.20pm (D/N)