Bangladesh Suffer Major Blow as Nahid Rana Ruled Out of Australia Test Series
Bangladesh have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming Test tour of Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out of the entire two-match series due to injury.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board official confirmed that Rana will not travel to Australia as he continues his recovery from a Grade 2 left side strain.
The injury situation has created further concerns for Bangladesh, with Litton Das and Shoriful Islam also unlikely to be available for the opening Test in Darwin.
Nahid Rana Ruled Out of Australia Tour
Rana sustained the injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe earlier this month.
There had initially been some hope that the fast bowler could recover in time for the Australia series. However, subsequent medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injury.
Scans revealed a Grade 2 side strain, with Bangladesh’s medical team estimating a recovery period of approximately six to eight weeks from the date of injury.
That timeline has effectively ruled Rana out of both Tests.
His absence could be particularly significant in Australian conditions, where his extra pace and ability to generate bounce could have provided Bangladesh with an important attacking option.
Litton Das Facing Fitness Test
Bangladesh are also sweating over the availability of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das.
Litton suffered a left calf injury and subsequently travelled to Singapore for specialist consultation.
He underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and is expected to begin a progressive running and conditioning programme from July 28.
His fitness assessment is scheduled for around August 13.
That makes his participation in the opening Test extremely unlikely, although he could potentially return for the second Test if he receives medical clearance.
The BCB has indicated that Litton’s availability will depend on him successfully passing the required fitness tests.
Shoriful Islam Also Likely to Miss First Test
Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam is another player dealing with an injury suffered during the Zimbabwe series.
Shoriful sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring injury.
His rehabilitation appears to be progressing, with the pacer expected to resume bowling from July 29.
A fitness assessment is planned around August 12.
Given the timing, Shoriful is unlikely to be ready for Bangladesh’s first Test against Australia. However, he has a better chance of returning for the second match if he completes his bowling workload without any further problems and receives medical clearance.
Bangladesh’s Injury Problems Before Australia Tests
Bangladesh could therefore enter the opening Test without three important players.
Nahid Rana is confirmed to miss the entire series, while Litton Das and Shoriful Islam are both expected to miss at least the first Test.
The absence of Rana and potentially Shoriful would force Bangladesh to rethink the composition of their pace attack.
Litton’s possible absence would also create a major gap in the batting order because of his experience at Test level.
Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series Schedule
The two-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship.
The opening Test will be played in Darwin from August 13 to 17, before the teams travel to Mackay for the second and final Test.
The second Test is scheduled for August 22 to 26.
Bangladesh will now hope Litton and Shoriful make sufficient progress during rehabilitation to strengthen the squad for the latter stages of what promises to be a challenging Australian tour.
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