Bangladesh Faces Major Blow Ahead of Historic Test Series in Australia
Injury Setbacks for Bangladesh's Test Squad
Bangladesh's preparations for their landmark two-match Test series in Australia hit a significant hurdle on Saturday, as their leading pace bowler Nahid Rana has been ruled out due to a Grade 2 strain on his left side. The 23-year-old fast bowler is anticipated to be out of action for six to eight weeks, which means he will miss Bangladesh's first Test tour to Australia in 23 years. Rana's absence is particularly impactful as he has claimed 44 international wickets this year, the highest for any bowler, with an impressive average of 18.31, including four five-wicket hauls, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
"He is expected to need around four weeks for tissue healing, followed by an additional two to four weeks to gradually increase his bowling workload," stated a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announcement, as cited by ESPNcricinfo.
Additional Injury Updates
In addition to Rana, left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das will also miss the first Test in Darwin. The BCB reported that Shoriful sustained a hamstring injury during Bangladesh's recent tour of Zimbabwe. He is projected to resume bowling by July 29 and will undergo a fitness evaluation around August 12, which may allow him to participate in the second Test in Mackay starting August 13.
Litton is making positive strides in his recovery from a left calf muscle injury incurred against Australia in June. He is set to begin a gradual running and conditioning program from July 28, with a fitness assessment scheduled for around August 13. If his rehabilitation goes well, he could also be available for the second Test, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Moreover, Tanzim Hasan is likely to be sidelined for most of 2026 due to a hip injury, while Mustafizur Rahman, who missed the Hundred due to right hamstring and calf injuries, is expected to return to the field by mid-August.
Bangladesh's team is scheduled to depart for Darwin on August 1.