Bangladesh have suffered a significant setback ahead of their long-awaited Test tour of Australia after fast bowler Nahid Rana was ruled out of the two-match series with a Grade 2 strain to his left side, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed.
The injury sidelines one of Bangladesh’s leading pace bowlers at a crucial moment, with the national side preparing for its first Test series on Australian soil in 23 years.
Nahid picked up the injury during Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe on 17 July. Medical scans later confirmed the extent of the damage, leaving the BCB medical team to rule him out of the upcoming series.
According to the board, the right-arm quick is expected to spend around four weeks recovering while the injured tissue heals.
He will then require an additional two to four weeks to gradually rebuild his bowling workload before returning to competitive cricket. Overall, his recovery is expected to take between six and eight weeks from the date of the injury.
While Nahid’s absence weakens Bangladesh’s pace attack, there has been more encouraging news regarding left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam.
Shoriful is continuing his rehabilitation after suffering a Grade 1 strain to his left hamstring on 14 July. The BCB said he has made steady progress and is scheduled to resume bowling on 29 July before undergoing a fitness assessment around 12 August.
Although the opening Test is likely to come too soon, the board expects him to be available for consideration for the second match, provided he successfully completes his bowling programme and receives full medical clearance.
There was also a positive update on wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das, who is recovering from a left calf muscle injury.
Liton recently underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in Singapore and is due to begin a gradual running and conditioning programme on 28 July.
A fitness assessment is planned for around 13 August. If his rehabilitation continues without complications, he is expected to be available for selection for the second Test.
Bangladesh, however, will have to wait longer for Tanzim Hasan Sakib. The fast bowler remains in rehabilitation after a follow-up scan reviewed by an overseas specialist.
The BCB said he will continue his recovery programme before undergoing another scan in eight to ten weeks. His return will depend on the progress of the fracture, with the board currently targeting a comeback towards the end of 2026.
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is also working his way back from injuries to his right hamstring and calf.
He is expected to undergo a fitness assessment at the end of July, and if his recovery remains on schedule, he could return to selection after 18 August.
Bangladesh’s historic Test campaign in Australia begins in Darwin on 13 August before the second and final match is played in Mackay from 22 August. With several senior players racing against time to regain full fitness, the visitors face an anxious wait as they finalise their squad for one of the most demanding assignments in international cricket.
