Dhaka, July 25: Bangladesh has suffered a significant setback ahead of their two-match Test series against Australia, as fast bowler Naheed Rana has been ruled out due to a side strain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Rana’s injury and his absence from the series on Saturday.
The 23-year-old sustained a Grade 2 strain on his left side during the second T20 match against Zimbabwe on July 17. Subsequent medical scans revealed the severity of the injury. The BCB estimates that Rana will require six to eight weeks for recovery, leading to his exclusion from the Test series.
In a medical update, the BCB stated, “Fast bowler Naheed Rana is out of the upcoming Test series against Australia due to a left side strain. He is expected to take about four weeks to recover.”
On a positive note for Bangladesh, left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam is recovering from a Grade 1 left hamstring injury sustained during the Zimbabwe tour. According to the BCB, Shoriful is expected to resume bowling on July 29, with a fitness assessment scheduled around August 12. While his chances of being fit for the first Test in Darwin appear slim, he may participate in the second Test if he receives medical clearance.
Additionally, Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das is also dealing with an injury, recovering from a left calf injury. Liton is set to begin running and conditioning drills on July 28, with a fitness check planned around August 13. If his recovery progresses well, he could be available for selection in the second Test.
The first Test between Bangladesh and Australia is scheduled to begin on August 12, followed by the second Test on August 22.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.