DARWIN (Australia), May 2: Australia will host Tests against Bangladesh in the tropical north of the continent from next year due to scheduling pressures, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced Thursday.

Australia will host a two-test series during their winter in the outback cities of Darwin, Northern Territory and Cairns, in northern Queensland, against Bangladesh in July 2003.

The two cities will also host a three-match limited overs international series between the two countries in July and August.

“With the international cricketing calendar becoming increasingly congested, the ACB has been searching for suitable facilities in northern Australia,” ACB chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement released Thursday.

“Marrara Oval in Darwin and Bundaberg Rum Stadium in Cairns were identified and with the works that are now committed to bring these grounds up to international standard the ACB is confident that they will meet ICC (International Cricket Council) specifications.”

It will be the first time international cricket has been played at Marrara Oval, the ACB said.—Reuters