DHAKA, July 25, 2026 (BSS)—Bangladesh suffered a major setback ahead of their historic Test tour of Australia as pace spearhead Nahid Rana was ruled out of the two-match series with a Grade 2 left side strain, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced today.

Nahid, one of the fastest bowlers in contemporary cricket and a key figure in Bangladesh's pace attack, sustained the injury during a match on July 17 in Zimbabwe tour. Subsequent scans confirmed the severity of the strain.

According to the BCB, the right-arm pacer is expected to require around four weeks for tissue healing, followed by another two to four weeks to gradually build up his bowling workload, with his overall recovery estimated at six to eight weeks from the date of injury.

Nahid's absence comes as a significant blow to Bangladesh, who are set to play their first Test series in Australia in 23 years.
There was, however, encouraging news regarding left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who is recovering from a Grade 1 left hamstring injury sustained on July 14.

The BCB said Shoriful is progressing well through his rehabilitation and is expected to resume bowling on July 29 before undergoing a fitness assessment around August 12. While he is unlikely to be available for the opening Test, he is expected to be in contention for the second match, subject to successfully completing his bowling workload and receiving medical clearance.

Wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das is also targeting a return for the second Test after undergoing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in Singapore for a left calf muscle injury.

The BCB said Liton will begin a progressive running and conditioning programme on July 28 and is scheduled for a fitness assessment around August 13. If he completes his rehabilitation successfully, he is expected to be available for selection for the second Test.

Meanwhile, pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib remains under rehabilitation, with a follow-up scan by an overseas specialist indicating that he will continue his recovery programme before undergoing another scan in eight to ten weeks. His return to play timeline will depend on fracture healing, with his availability currently expected towards the end of the year.

Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is also continuing his rehabilitation from a right hamstring and calf injury. He is expected to undergo a fitness assessment at the end of July and if his recovery progresses as planned, he should be available for selection after August 18.
The opening Test of the series will begin in Darwin on August 13, while the second and final Test is scheduled to be played in Mackay from August 22.