Nahid Rana ruled out of Australia Tests; Litton, Shoriful likely to miss opener

Bangladesh have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming Test tour of Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out of the two-match series due to injury.

"He is ruled out and cannot go to Australia," a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed to Cricbuzz on Saturday.

"Litton Kumar Das's availability is subject to passing the fitness test," the official added.

Rana sustained a left side strain during the second T20I against Zimbabwe earlier this month, and Cricbuzz had earlier reported that he was racing against time to recover for the Australia tour. Subsequent scans confirmed a Grade 2 side strain, with the BCB estimating an overall recovery period of six to eight weeks from the date of injury.

Bangladesh are also set to be without Litton Das and left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam for the opening Test in Darwin. Both are progressing through rehabilitation but are unlikely to recover in time for the series opener.

Litton, who travelled to Singapore for a specialist consultation after suffering a left calf injury, underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and is scheduled to begin a progressive running and conditioning programme from July 28. A fitness assessment is planned around August 13, making him a likely candidate for the second Test if he receives medical clearance.

Shoriful, meanwhile, sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe series. He is expected to resume bowling from July 29 and undergo a fitness assessment around August 12. While he is unlikely to feature in the opening Test, he is expected to be available for the second match, subject to successfully completing his bowling workload and receiving medical clearance.

Click here to read article