Bangladesh have lost fast bowler Nahid Rana for their Test tour of Australia. He strained his left side during the second T20I against Zimbabwe and had been trying to regain fitness in time, but scans showed a Grade 2 side strain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board expects him to need six to eight weeks to recover.
The absence is a significant one, as Rana has become one of Bangladesh’s main pace options thanks to his speed and ability to take wickets. A BCB official told Cricbuzz that he is ruled out and cannot travel to Australia, adding that Litton Das’s availability depends on passing a fitness test.
Litton and Shoriful also missing in Darwin
Former captain Litton Das and left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam will both miss the opening Test in Darwin as they continue to recover from injuries.
Litton went to Singapore for specialist treatment on a left calf injury and received platelet-rich plasma therapy. He starts a progressive running and conditioning programme on July 28, with a fitness assessment planned around August 13. If cleared, the wicketkeeper-batter should return for the second Test.
Shoriful suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe series. He is due to resume bowling on July 29 and take a fitness test around August 12. He is unlikely to play the first Test but is still in contention for the second, provided he completes his rehabilitation and gets medical clearance.
Series schedule
The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test is in Darwin from August 13 to 17, and the second is in Mackay from August 22 to 26.
