The Australia vs New Zealand Test series will begin on December 9, 2026, with the first Test scheduled in Perth. This marks a rare 4-match Test series between the two teams.
The series runs through December and into early January, covering four major Australian venues. It is part of the World Test Championship cycle, so every match carries points value.
This article covers the complete schedule, venues, expected squads, and global streaming details, so you can follow the series clearly from start to finish.
AUS vs NZ Test Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (IST / GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Dec 9–13, 2026 | Perth Stadium | 7:50 AM / 2:20 AM GMT |
| 2nd Test | Dec 17–21, 2026 | Adelaide Oval | 6:00 AM / 12:30 AM GMT |
| 3rd Test | Dec 26–30, 2026 | MCG, Melbourne | 5:00 AM / 11:30 PM GMT (Prev Day) |
| 4th Test | Jan 4–8, 2027 | SCG, Sydney | 5:00 AM / 11:30 PM GMT (Prev Day) |
AUS vs NZ Expected Squads
Since official squads have not been announced yet, these are the expected squads based on the 2026 rotations and current team combinations.
Here are the probable quads for both teams :
Australia (Expected)
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland, Josh Inglis, Sam Konstas.
New Zealand (Expected)
Tom Latham (c), Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Will Young, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell.
AUS vs NZ Test Series Venues
The AUS vs NZ Test series venues include four iconic Australian grounds, each offering different pitch conditions and match challenges. These venues play a key role in shaping how the series unfolds.
Perth Stadium, Perth
Perth hosts the opening Test from December 9, and it is known for pace and bounce. Fast bowlers get early movement, especially with the new ball.
As the match progresses, batting becomes easier, but uneven bounce can still trouble players. Teams often prefer bowling first here.
Because of its conditions, Perth usually sets the tone for the series, especially for pace attacks.
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Adelaide will host the second Test, and it often brings a different challenge compared to Perth. The surface offers a balance between bat and ball.
If played as a day-night Test, the pink ball becomes important under lights. Swing and seam movement increase during evening sessions.
Batters who survive the tough phases can score big, making this venue crucial in shifting momentum.
MCG, Melbourne
The third Test at the MCG starts on December 26, making it the traditional Boxing Day Test. It is one of the biggest cricket events globally.
The pitch here usually supports long innings, especially after the first day. Batters who settle in can control the game.
Crowd pressure and long sessions make this Test important, often influencing the overall series result.
SCG, Sydney
Sydney will host the final Test in early January, and it usually helps spin bowlers more than other Australian venues.
As the pitch wears down, turn and variable bounce come into play. This makes batting in the fourth innings challenging.
Because it is the last match of the series, the SCG often decides the final outcome if the contest remains close.
Australia vs New Zealand Head-to-Head In Tests
Australia clearly leads the AUS vs NZ Test head-to-head record, with a strong historical advantage across decades. Their dominance has continued in recent series as well.
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 62 | 36 | 8 | 18 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 62 | 8 | 36 | 18 | 0 |
Where to Watch AUS vs NZ Test Series Live (Global)
The Australia vs New Zealand Test series will be available globally through official broadcasters under existing media rights agreements.
Here is where fans can watch the live stream and TV coverage:
| Region | Broadcaster / Streaming Platform |
|---|---|
| Australia | Kayo Sports, Foxtel, 7plus (Free-to-air) |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ (Sky Sport Now) |
| India / South Asia | JioHotstar, Star Sports |
| UK & Ireland | TNT Sports, discovery+ |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV (Sling TV / Willow DTC) |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| MENA (Middle East) | Cricbuzz, StarzPlay |
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Conclusion: The Australia vs New Zealand Test Series Kicks Off On Dec 9, 2026!
The Australia vs New Zealand Test series begins on December 9, 2026, starting in Perth and running across four major venues in Australia. This rare 4-match contest adds strong value to the World Test Championship race.
With changing conditions from pace-friendly Perth to spin-assisted Sydney, both teams will need to adjust quickly. Squad depth and session control will likely decide the series outcome.
Stay tuned for match updates, playing XIs, and live coverage as the series gets closer.
