Nahid Rana ruled out of Bangladesh's Test tour of Australia with side strain
Synopsis
Bangladesh's pace attack has taken a serious hit before a ball is bowled in Australia — Nahid Rana, their most potent fast bowler, is out for six to eight weeks with a Grade 2 side strain. With Shoriful Islam and Litton Das also in the physio room, Bangladesh head into a two-Test WTC series severely undermanned.
Key Takeaways
Nahid Rana has been ruled out of Bangladesh's two-match Test series in Australia with a Grade 2 left side strain .
The injury was sustained during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on 17 July ; recovery is estimated at six to eight weeks .
Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam (Grade 1 hamstring) is targeting a return for the second Test in Mackay , with a fitness assessment due around 12 August .
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das (left calf) begins running drills on 28 July and faces a fitness test around 13 August .
Bangladesh's tour opens with a three-day warm-up against Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from 3 August ; the first Test begins in Darwin on 13 August .
Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been ruled out of Bangladesh's two-match Test series against Australia after sustaining a Grade 2 left side strain, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Saturday, 25 July. The injury, picked up during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on 17 July, effectively ends his participation in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship fixtures Down Under.
Extent of the Injury
Medical scans confirmed the severity of the strain, with the BCB estimating a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks. The board's medical update outlined that Rana requires approximately four weeks for tissue healing, followed by a further two to four weeks of graduated bowling workload progression before he can return to competitive cricket.
'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 its official medical bulletin.
Why Rana's Absence Hurts Bangladesh
The 23-year-old has rapidly established himself as one of Bangladesh's most promising pace-bowling prospects over the past year, making his absence a significant blow to a side already navigating a challenging tour itinerary. Bangladesh's fast-bowling resources are limited at the Test level, and Rana's ability to generate steep bounce had made him a key attacking weapon in their WTC plans.
Shoriful Islam and Litton Das Offer Cautious Hope
There is, however, some encouraging news on the injury front. Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam, recovering from a Grade 1 left hamstring injury also sustained during the Zimbabwe tour, is making progress. He is expected to resume bowling on 29 July and will undergo a fitness assessment around 12 August. While he is unlikely to feature in the opening Test, Shoriful remains in contention for the second Test in Mackay, subject to medical clearance.
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, nursing a left calf injury, is scheduled to begin running and conditioning drills from 28 July, with a fitness assessment pencilled in for around 13 August. If his recovery proceeds as planned, he could be available for selection for the second Test as well.
Bangladesh's Tour Schedule in Australia
Bangladesh are set to arrive in Australia early next month, with a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin scheduled from 3 August. The practice fixture will serve as the squad's final preparation ahead of the first Test in Darwin, beginning 13 August. The series concludes with the second Test in Mackay, both matches forming part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Bangladesh will be hoping their walking wounded can recover in time to bolster a squad already missing its most potent pace threat.
Point of View
Especially in Darwin, reward genuine pace, which is precisely what Rana offered and his replacements may not. If Shoriful Islam and Litton Das also fail their fitness tests, Bangladesh could arrive in Australia with a shadow of their intended XI — raising questions about whether the BCB's player-management protocols are robust enough ahead of high-stakes overseas tours.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Nahid Rana been ruled out of the Australia Test series?
Nahid Rana has been ruled out due to a Grade 2 left side strain sustained during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on 17 July. The BCB estimates his recovery will take six to eight weeks, making him unavailable for both Tests.
When does Bangladesh's Test series against Australia begin?
The first Test begins in Darwin on 13 August 2025, with the second Test to follow in Mackay. Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Is Shoriful Islam fit to play in the Australia Tests?
Shoriful Islam is recovering from a Grade 1 left hamstring injury and is expected to resume bowling on 29 July. He is unlikely to be fit for the first Test in Darwin but remains in contention for the second Test in Mackay, pending a fitness assessment around 12 August.
Will Litton Das be available for the Australia series?
Litton Das, recovering from a left calf injury, is scheduled to begin running and conditioning drills from 28 July and will undergo a fitness assessment around 13 August. If his recovery stays on track, he could be available for the second Test.
What warm-up matches will Bangladesh play before the Tests?
Bangladesh will play a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from 3 August, serving as their final preparation ahead of the opening Test on 13 August.
