Bangladesh speedster Nahid Rana ruled out of Australia Test series due to injury
Rana’s Absence and Injury Details
Nahid Rana, a fast bowler for Bangladesh, will not participate in the upcoming Test tour of Australia. The 23-year-old sustained a left side strain during the second T20 international against Zimbabwe on July 17. Scans confirmed a grade two strain, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) indicated that the injury requires at least six weeks for healing, making him unavailable for the two-Test series.
The BCB stated that Rana is expected to need approximately four weeks for tissue healing, followed by an additional two to four weeks for bowling workload progression. His total recovery period is estimated to be between six and eight weeks from the date of injury. Rana has been noted for consistently bowling at speeds above 150kph.
Rana’s absence is considered a significant setback for Bangladesh’s prospects against Australia. He has emerged as a promising fast-bowling talent and has taken the most wickets in men’s internationals this year, with 44 across all three formats at an average of 18.31. He previously challenged Australia’s top order in an ODI series victory in Dhaka, where he claimed 4-41 in the first ODI, including the wicket of Alex Carey.
According to CricViz, Rana has been the fastest bowler in Test cricket since his debut in March 2024, maintaining an average speed of 141.54kph throughout his career. Mitchell Starc of Australia is the only other bowler to average above 140kph during the same period, with an average of 141.04kph.
Other Injury Concerns and Squad Announcement
In addition to Rana, left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam (hamstring) and wicketkeeper Litton Das (calf) are also likely to miss the first Test in Darwin, which begins on August 13. However, there is a possibility they could return for the second Test in Mackay. Shoriful was also injured during the recent tour of Zimbabwe and had a notable performance against Australia in June, taking 6-48 in the third ODI.
Shoriful, alongside Taskin Ahmed, has contributed to Bangladesh developing the second-fastest Test pace attack, behind Australia, over the past two years. This pace attack has helped Bangladesh secure 2-0 series victories against Ireland and Pakistan.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the depth of Bangladesh’s pace attack, stating that it “could be pretty potent” in Australia, despite the potential absence of Rana and Shoriful in the first Test.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Bangladesh for their first Test in Australia since 2003. The squad for the first Test includes:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Soumya Sarkar
- Shadman Islam
- Tanzid Hasan
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Amite Hasan
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain)
- Taijul Islam
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Syed Khaled Ahmed
- Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
- Musfik Hasan
The batting lineup features experienced players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Shadman Islam, alongside Soumya Sarkar, who has 16 Tests under his belt and last played in the format in 2021. The pace attack will rely on Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain, with uncapped Musfik Hasan also part of the squad. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam will lead the spin department.
Tour Schedule
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to depart for Darwin on August 1. This tour marks Bangladesh’s first Test series against Australia in nine years and their first visit Down Under since 2003. The Tests will contribute to the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points.
The schedule for the NRMA Insurance Bangladesh Test series is as follows:
- First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 10am (local)
- Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 10am (local)
Australia has already named its squad for the series, which includes Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster. The first Test is set to begin on August 13.
Source: cricket.com.au
