Injury Concerns for Bangladesh Ahead of Australia Tour
Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana will miss the 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, with scans confirming a grade two strain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) indicated that the injury requires at least six weeks for healing, which rules him out of the two-Test series in Australia.
Rana’s injury is considered a significant setback for Bangladesh, especially given his recent performance. He has been a prominent fast-bowling prospect for the country, having taken the most wickets in men’s internationals this year with 44 across all three formats at an average of 18.31. He also troubled Australia’s top order during last month’s ODI series 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. Only Australia’s Mitchell Starc, with an average of 141.04kph, has averaged above 140kph in the same period.
Other Key Players Also Facing Injury Setbacks
In addition to Rana, other key players are also facing injury concerns. Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who suffered a hamstring injury, and wicketkeeper Litton Das, dealing with a calf issue, are likely to miss the first Test in Darwin. However, there is a possibility they could return for the second Test in Mackay.
Shoriful Islam also posed challenges for Australia during their visit in June, achieving a career-best of 6-48 in the third ODI. Alongside Taskin Ahmed, Rana and Shoriful have contributed to Bangladesh developing into the second-fastest Test pace attack, behind Australia, over the past two years. This pace attack has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s recent 2-0 series victories against Ireland and Pakistan.
Despite the absences, Australia coach Andrew McDonald expressed caution, noting that Bangladesh possesses depth beyond these players and has a pace attack that could be potent in Australia.
Squad Announcement and Tour Details
Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Bangladesh in their first Test in Australia since 2003. These matches will contribute to the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points. Australia, the 2023 champions, have already announced their squad for the series.
The Bangladesh squad for the first Test includes Soumya Sarkar, who last played in the format in 2021 and has 16 Tests under his belt. The batting lineup also features experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Shadman Islam.
The pace attack, affected by injuries, will rely on Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain. Uncapped player Musfik Hasan is also part of the squad. The spin department will be led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
Bangladesh is scheduled to depart for Darwin on August 1. The tour marks their first Test series against Australia in nine years and their first visit Down Under since 2003. The first Test is set to take place from August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, starting at 10 am local time.
The second Test will follow from August 22-26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, also commencing at 10 am local time.
Source: cricket.com.au
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter