With fast bowler Nahid Rana sidelined due to injury, Bangladesh has suffered a significant setback ahead of their forthcoming two-match Test series against Australia. The pacer was running out of time to recover fully before the Australia tour after suffering a left side strain during the second Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe.
Nahid Rana chances of playing in the prestigious Test series have been dashed, though, as medical scans have revealed that he has a Grade 2 side strain. The speedster will need six to eight weeks to heal from the injury, according to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Nahid Rana has become one of Bangladesh’s best fast bowlers due to his speed and ability to trouble hitters, thus his absence is a major setback.
For the first Test match against Australia in Darwin, Bangladesh will also be without left-arm bowler Shoriful Islam and former captain Litton Das due to their ongoing injury rehabilitation.
Litton had platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment after travelling to Singapore for a specialist consultation following an injury to his left calf. On July 28, he will start a gradual running and conditioning program, and on August 13, a fitness evaluation is set. The wicketkeeper-batter is anticipated to be available for the second Test if he is given medical clearance.
During the Zimbabwe series, Shoriful, on the other hand, had a Grade 1 left hamstring injury. The left-arm seamer will resume bowling on July 29 and will be evaluated for fitness on August 12. He is anticipated to return for the second Test, provided he successfully completes his bowling workload and receives medical clearance, even if he is unlikely to play in the series opener.
The first Test of the two-match ICC World Test Championship series takes place in Darwin from August 13–17. The second and final Test takes place in Mackay from August 22–26.
