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 confirmed a grade two strain, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) indicating a recovery period of at least six weeks.
This injury rules Rana out of the two-Test series, which will be played in the Top End. The BCB stated that Rana is expected to need approximately four weeks for tissue healing, followed by an additional two to four weeks of bowling workload progression. His total recovery time is estimated to be six to eight weeks from the date of injury.
In addition to Rana, left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, and wicketkeeper Litton Das, who has a calf issue, are also likely to miss the first Test in Darwin. However, there is a possibility they could return for the second Test in Mackay.
Impact on Bangladesh’s Pace Attack
Rana’s absence is considered a significant setback for Bangladesh’s prospects of competing against Australia on their home ground. He has emerged as one of the most promising fast-bowling talents in the country. This year, Rana has taken the most wickets in men’s internationals, securing 44 across all three formats at an average of 18.31.
He previously 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 Test wicketkeeper 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.
Only Australia’s Mitchell Starc, with an average of 141.04kph, has averaged above 140kph during the same period. Shoriful Islam also posed challenges during Australia’s visit in June, achieving a career-best of 6-48 in the third ODI.
Together with 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 strong pace attack has helped the team secure 2-0 series victories against Ireland and Pakistan.
Despite the potential absence of Rana and Shoriful in the first Test, Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed caution regarding Bangladesh’s bowling depth. He noted that they possess other players who could be potent in Australian conditions.
Squad and Schedule Details
Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Bangladesh in their first Test in Australia since 2003. These Tests 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 such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Shadman Islam.
With injuries affecting their pace department, Bangladesh 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 NRMA Insurance Bangladesh Test series will feature the first Test from August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, followed by the second Test from August 22-26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
The Australia 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.
Source: cricket.com.au
