Injury Concerns for Bangladesh Ahead of Australia Tour
Bangladesh will be without fast bowler Nahid Rana for their upcoming Test tour of Australia due to a side strain. The 23-year-old sustained a left side strain during the second T20 International against Zimbabwe on July 17. Scans have since confirmed a grade two strain, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) indicating that the injury will require at least six weeks to heal. This timeline rules him out of the two-Test series in Australia’s Top End.
Rana, known for his speed, has been a significant performer this year, having taken the most wickets in men’s internationals across all three formats. His absence is seen as a considerable setback for Bangladesh’s prospects against Australia on their home ground. The right-armer has been mentored by former Australian speedster Shaun Tait and has been noted by CricViz as the fastest bowler in Test cricket since his debut in March 2024.
His average speed of 141.54kph in his career so far places him above most bowlers, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc (141.04kph) being the only other bowler to average over 140kph in the same period. Rana also troubled Australia’s top order during last month’s ODI series victory in Dhaka, where he claimed 4-41 in the first ODI, including the wicket of Alex Carey.
Additional Player Setbacks and Squad Details
Further injury concerns for Bangladesh include left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, and wicketkeeper Litton Das, who has a calf injury. Both players are likely to miss the series opener in Darwin, which is scheduled to begin on August 13. However, there is a possibility they could return for the second Test in Mackay.
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 six to eight weeks from the date of injury.
Despite these injuries, Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed caution regarding Bangladesh’s bowling attack. He noted that Bangladesh possesses depth beyond the injured players and believes their pace attack could be potent in Australia.
Bangladesh’s squad for the first Test, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, includes players such as Soumya Sarkar, who last played in the format in 2021, and experienced batsmen like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Shadman Islam. 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.
Upcoming Test Series Schedule
This tour marks Bangladesh’s first Test series against Australia in nine years and their first visit Down Under since 2003. The team is scheduled to depart for Darwin on August 1.
The NRMA Insurance Bangladesh Test series will feature two matches:
- First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 10 am (local)
- Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 10 am (local)
Australia’s squad for the series includes Pat Cummins (captain), 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. These Tests will contribute to the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points.
Source: cricket.com.au
