Rana Sidelined Ahead of Australia Series With Side Strain

Bangla Press Desk: Bangladesh suffered a major setback ahead of their two-Test tour of Australia after pace sensation Nahid Rana was officially ruled out of the series due to a Grade 2 side strain, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Saturday.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury during the second T20 International against Zimbabwe on July 17. Subsequent scans confirmed the severity of the injury, with the BCB Medical Team estimating a recovery period of six to eight weeks from the date of injury.

"Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Australia after sustaining a left side strain. He is expected to require approximately four weeks for tissue healing, followed by a further two to four weeks of bowling workload progression," the BCB said in a medical update.

The injury comes as a significant blow for Bangladesh, with Rana having emerged as one of the team's most exciting fast bowlers in recent months.

There was, however, better news regarding left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who is progressing well in his rehabilitation after suffering a Grade 1 left hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe tour.

The BCB said Shoriful is expected to resume bowling from July 29 and undergo a fitness assessment around August 12. While he is unlikely to be available for the opening Test in Darwin, he remains in contention for the second Test in Mackay, subject to medical clearance.

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is also recovering steadily from a left calf muscle injury. Following a specialist consultation in Singapore, he underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on Friday.

Litton is scheduled to begin a progressive running and conditioning programme from July 28 before undergoing a fitness assessment around August 13. If he successfully completes his rehabilitation, he could be available for selection from the second Test.