Bangladesh have received a big blow ahead of their upcoming Test series in Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out of the two-match tour because of injury.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed that Rana will not travel to Australia for the series.
"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 suffered a left-side strain during the second T20I against Zimbabwe earlier this month. The pacer was working hard to recover in time for the Australia tour, but further scans revealed that he had a Grade 2 side strain.
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According to the BCB’s assessment, Rana is expected to need around six to eight weeks to fully recover from the injury.
Bangladesh are also likely to miss the services of Litton Das and left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam for the first Test in Darwin. Both players are currently recovering from their respective injuries and are unlikely to be fit before the opening match.
Litton travelled to Singapore for expert medical advice after picking up a left calf injury. He later underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and is set to begin a gradual running and fitness programme from July 28. His fitness will be checked around August 13, which means he could be considered for the second Test if he gets medical clearance.
Shoriful suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe series. The pacer is expected to start bowling again from July 29 and will have a fitness test around August 12. Although he is unlikely to play in the first Test, Bangladesh will hope he can return for the second game if he completes his bowling workload successfully.
The two-Test series between Australia and Bangladesh is part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be played in Darwin from August 13 to 17, while the second Test will take place in Mackay from August 22 to 26.