Bangladesh have suffered a significant setback ahead of their forthcoming two-match Test series against Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out due to injury. The pacer suffered a left side injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe and was racing against the clock to achieve full fitness for the Australia tour.
However, medical scans revealed that Nahid Rana had suffered a Grade 2 side strain, putting an end to his chances of playing in the high-profile Test series. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) estimates that the speedster will need six to eight weeks to recuperate from his injury.
Nahid Rana absence is a major setback for Bangladesh, as he has developed as one of the team’s best fast bowlers due to his pace and ability to challenge batters.
Bangladesh will also be missing former captain Litton Das and left-arm bowler Shoriful Islam for the first Test against Australia in Darwin, as both players continue to recover from injuries.
Litton, who came to Singapore for a specialist consultation following a left calf injury, had platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. He is scheduled to begin a progressive running and conditioning programme on July 28, with a fitness assessment scheduled for August 13. If he is granted medical clearance, the wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to be available for the second Test.
Shoriful, meanwhile, suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe series. The left-arm seamer is scheduled to resume bowling on July 29 and will have a fitness test around August 12.
Although he is unlikely to play in the series opener, he is anticipated to return for the second Test, provided he completes his bowling workload and receives medical clearance.
The two-match ICC World Test Championship series begins in Darwin on August 13-17, with the second and final Test taking place in Mackay on August 22–26.
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