Darwin, 11 July 2026:
Nathan Lyon expects Bangladesh to provide a serious challenge when the teams begin their two-Test series in Darwin on 13 August. The second Test will be played between the two sides in Mackay from 22 August.
The Australia off-spinner said Bangladesh’s recent form, experienced players and emerging fast-bowling talent would test a home side that has not played Test cricket since January.
“They’ve been playing some really good cricket,” Lyon said. “They’ve got young, exciting fast bowlers who can get up around 145 kilometres per hour and above, so that is going to be a big challenge for our batters.”
“They’ve also got players who have been in international cricket for a long time and know how to perform at the highest level.”
Lyon said Australia must be ready from the opening morning after the lengthy break.
“Our last Test match was in January, so we need to make sure that, come August 13, we hit the ground running,” he said.
The Bangladesh series will begin an intense period for Australia, with the team scheduled to play 21 Tests across the next 14 months.
“It’s a big training programme now to make sure that when we walk out here on August 13, we’re prepared. Then we’ll worry about the next series,” Lyon said.
The 38-year-old, 26 weeks into his recovery from surgery, said he was confident of being available for selection.
“The rehab has been really good. I’m back to doing everything, including high-speed running and I’m feeling very good,” he said.
Despite taking 567 wickets from 141 Tests, Lyon said he continues to feel pressure from younger spinners and welcomes competition for places.
“No one has a given right to be selected for Australia. I’m still trying to get better and I still feel I have a massive role to play,” he said.
“A squad mentality is what wins Test series for Australia. The competition keeps us older players on our toes.”
