Injured Nahid Rana ruled out of Bangladesh's Test tour of Australia
Dhaka, July 25
Bangladesh have been dealt a major setback ahead of their two-match Test series against Australia after fast bowler Nahid Rana was ruled out with a side strain, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Saturday.
The 23-year-old sustained a Grade 2 strain on his left side during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on July 17. Medical scans later confirmed the extent of the injury, with the BCB estimating a recovery period of six to eight weeks, effectively ending his chances of featuring in the upcoming World Test Championship fixtures.
"Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Australia after sustaining a left side strain. He is expected to require approximately four weeks for tissue healing, followed by a further two to four weeks of bowling workload progression," the BCB said in a medical update.
Rana's absence is a significant blow for Bangladesh, with the young pacer establishing himself as one of the side's most promising fast-bowling prospects over the past year.
There was some encouraging news for the visitors, however, as left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam continues to make progress in his recovery from a Grade 1 left hamstring injury suffered during the Zimbabwe tour.
According to the BCB, Shoriful is expected to resume bowling on July 29 before undergoing a fitness assessment around August 12. Although he is unlikely to be fit for the opening Test in Darwin, the pacer remains in contention for the second match in Mackay if he receives medical clearance.
Bangladesh are also optimistic about wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who is recovering from a left calf injury. Litton is scheduled to begin running and conditioning drills from July 28 and will undergo a fitness assessment around August 13. If his recovery stays on track, he could be available for selection for the second Test.
Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Australia early next month before playing a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from August 3. The practice fixture will serve as the team's final preparation ahead of the opening Test, which begins in Darwin on August 13, with the second Test to follow in Mackay as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a cricket fan from India, I feel for Bangladesh. Nahid Rana had that extra pace that could trouble Aussie batsmen on those fast, bouncy wickets. Without him, their pace attack looks a bit thin. Shoriful Islam's return gives some hope though - left-arm pacers always add variety. The Darwin Test will be interesting, especially if Bangladesh can bat well and put pressure on Australia's bowlers.
Grade 2 side strain is no joke. Takes at least 6-8 weeks to heal properly. Bangladesh should take their time with him instead of rushing back like we sometimes see here in India. Young fast bowlers are precious assets. Hope Litton Das recovers fully too - he's their best batter against pace in overseas conditions.
This is a tough blow for Bangladesh's WTC campaign. Nahid Rana was their main strike bowler. Australia's pace attack on home soil is brutal. Bangladesh will need their batters to step up big time. The warm-up match against CA XI in Darwin will be crucial to see who's in form. I just hope they don't get blown away like we've seen before.
As an Indian fan who loves watching subcontinental teams compete abroad, this is disappointing. Bangladesh were actually showing signs of improvement in SENA conditions. Nahid Rana had that raw pace which is rare for Bangladesh. But why does this always happen to our Asian teams before big tours? 🤔 Hope the BCB manages his workload better going forward. Sometimes we overbowl our pacers in home conditions and then pay the price overseas.
A Ananya R Not just Nahid R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.