Cummins wary of 'strong' Bangladesh, says Tests are 'never easy'

Australia captain Pat Cummins insists he has never experienced a straightforward Test match, and expects the opening contest against Bangladesh in Darwin to be no different, despite the tourists arriving on the back of an innings defeat in their only warm up fixture.

Speaking at the pre match press conference on August 12, 2026, a day before the first Test at Marrara Stadium, Cummins was asked directly how tough a challenge Bangladesh would pose.

"I don't reckon I have ever played an easy Test match, so I am sure they will be strong. A few of the guys we haven't really ever seen before, so that always brings a few unknowns going into the Test match. But they have had some big wins over the last couple of years and got some really strong talent, so we have got to be ready," he said.

Pressed on how he would rate the current Bangladesh side, Cummins declined to offer a firm assessment before a ball had been bowled. "Not sure. Maybe ask me in a couple of weeks and I will have a bit more to offer. But they are one of those sides when you come against them in an ICC event, you are pretty nervous because they have got some big players."

Asked whether the match was likely to finish inside three days or run the full five, Cummins kept his answer brief. "Who knows?"

On Bangladesh's long wait to return to Australian soil for Test cricket, a gap stretching back more than two decades, Cummins said he would welcome more regular fixtures between the two countries.

"We have played them a few times, obviously in ICC events and in Bangladesh, but not as often over here. I think just being able to play in Australia this time of year is awesome. I would love to be able to do this more often. One of the beauties about Test cricket is you play against all different countries. It is a different challenge every time. Everyone plays a slightly different style of cricket. So, yeah, I would absolutely like to play."

The return of spinner Nathan Lyon after injury was another welcome boost for the captain. "It is great to have Nate back. I was even looking at some footage the other day of that Adelaide Test, and I think that is the best he has bowled in years. So, it was really bad timing, but he has been great. He looks in incredible shape. He has been bowling beautifully, and as a captain and teammate, it is going to be awesome having him back out there," Cummins said.

On the Darwin pitch itself, largely untested at this level with the venue hosting its first Test in 21 years, Cummins said early impressions had been positive. "It looks really good. Just felt it there. It looks and feels hard. I think there was an A game out here last year and it was a pretty good batting wicket, but with a bit of pace and bounce. So, I do not know much to expect, but it looks good."

Cummins was also asked whether the absence of Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana from the series worked in Australia's favour. "Not really, no," he replied.

With Australia embarking on a demanding 12 month stretch that will include as many as 20 Tests, Cummins said the squad had deliberately used recent months to prepare physically rather than look too far ahead. "So much of the last six months has been setting up the next 12 months. A few of us missed the recent white ball series, even a shorter IPL, to make sure that we gave ourselves every chance to come into this first Test as well placed as we can be. For us at the moment, it is all Bangladesh and this series," he said.