Bangladesh hit by injury crisis ahead of Australia Tests as Nahid Rana ruled out

Bangladesh have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out due to injury. The pacer sustained a left side strain during the second T20I against Zimbabwe and was racing against time to regain full fitness before the Australia tour.

However, medical scans have confirmed that Rana has suffered a Grade 2 side strain, ending his hopes of featuring in the high-profile Test series. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has estimated that the speedster will require six to eight weeks to recover from the injury. Rana’s absence is a significant blow for Bangladesh, as he has emerged as one of the team’s premier fast bowlers with his pace and ability to trouble batters.

“He is ruled out and cannot go to Australia. Litton Kumar Das’s availability is subject to passing the fitness test,” said BCB official as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Bangladesh will also be without former captain Litton Das and left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam for the opening Test against Australia in Darwin, with both players continuing their rehabilitation from injuries.

Litton, who travelled to Singapore for a specialist consultation after suffering a left calf injury, underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. He is scheduled to begin a progressive running and conditioning programme from July 28, with a fitness assessment planned around August 13. If he receives medical clearance, the wicketkeeper-batter is expected to be available for the second Test.

Shoriful, meanwhile, sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe series. The left-arm seamer is set to resume bowling from July 29 and will undergo a fitness assessment around August 12. Although he is unlikely to feature in the series opener, he is expected to return for the second Test, subject to successfully completing his bowling workload and receiving medical clearance.

The two-match ICC World Test Championship series begins in Darwin from August 13-17, before the second and final Test is played in Mackay from August 22-26.