Bangladesh have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their challenging Test tour of Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana officially ruled out of the two-match series due to injury. The news comes less than a week before the Tigers are scheduled to fly to Australia, forcing the team management to explore replacement options for one of their premier pace bowlers.
Rana’s availability had remained uncertain after he sustained a side strain during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on July 17. Following medical scans upon his return to Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that the young speedster will not recover in time for the highly anticipated series.
Nahid Rana ruled out of Australia Test series
Rana was expected to spearhead Bangladesh’s pace attack in Australian conditions, where his express pace and ability to extract bounce would have been valuable assets. However, the injury has brought those plans to an abrupt end.
BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury confirmed that the 22-year-old will miss the entire series after scans revealed the severity of his side strain. Bangladesh have already kept Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain on standby as potential replacements. Hasan recently returned from the Lanka Premier League (LPL), while Ebadot could still be considered if he returns to Bangladesh in time to complete his Australian visa formalities.
Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for Australia on July 31 before playing a four-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI on August 6. The opening Test will be played in Darwin, while the second Test is set to begin in Mackay on August 22.
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Bangladesh monitor fresh injury concerns before departure
Apart from Rana, Bangladesh are also keeping a close watch on the fitness of several other players ahead of the tour. Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is dealing with an injury concern, while left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has resumed light training after picking up an injury during the Zimbabwe series.
According to BCB medical department sources, as many as five players are currently under observation, with the board expected to provide further updates before the squad departs for Australia.
Rana’s absence is undoubtedly a major blow for Bangladesh, especially considering the conditions expected in Australia. The young fast bowler has emerged as one of the country’s brightest pace prospects in recent years, and missing such an important overseas assignment is unfortunate both for him and the team. Bangladesh will now hope their remaining fast bowlers can rise to the occasion as they prepare for one of their toughest Test challenges of the year.
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