Bangladesh speedster Rana ruled out of Australia Tests

By Arjun Nair / 27.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 27 July 2026 — 3 min read

Key Player Absence for Australia Tour

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana will miss the 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.

The injury means Rana will not participate in the two-Test series against Australia 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 for bowling workload progression. His total recovery time is estimated to be six to eight weeks from the date of injury.

Rana’s absence is considered a significant setback for Bangladesh’s prospects against Australia on their home ground. He has emerged as a notable fast-bowling talent, having taken the most wickets in men’s internationals this year with 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.

Other Injury Concerns and Squad Details

In addition to Rana, left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam (hamstring) and wicketkeeper Litton Das (calf) are also likely to miss the series opener in Darwin, which begins on August 13. However, they could potentially return for the second Test in Mackay.

Shoriful was also injured during Bangladesh’s recent tour of Zimbabwe and had posed problems for Australia during their visit in June, achieving a career-best 6-48 in the third ODI.

The combined efforts of Shoriful and Taskin Ahmed have contributed to Bangladesh becoming the second-fastest Test pace attack, behind Australia, over the past two years. This pace attack has helped the team secure 2-0 series victories against Ireland and Pakistan.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the depth of Bangladesh’s bowling attack, even with the potential absence of Rana and Shoriful in the first Test. He noted that they possess a pace attack that “could be pretty potent” in Australia.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Bangladesh for their first Test in Australia since 2003. The 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.

The pace attack for the first Test will rely on Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain, with uncapped Musfik Hasan also part of the squad. The spin department will be led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.

The tour marks Bangladesh’s first Test series against Australia in nine years and their first Test series in Australia since 2003. Bangladesh is scheduled to depart for Darwin on August 1, with the first Test set to take place from August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.

Upcoming Series Schedule

The NRMA Insurance Bangladesh Test series will feature two matches. The first Test is scheduled for August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium, Darwin, starting at 10 am local time.

The second Test will be held from August 22-26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, also commencing at 10 am local time.

Australia’s 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.

These Tests will contribute to the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points.

Source: cricket.com.au