Dhaka, July 25 (V7N)- Bangladesh have been dealt a major setback ahead of next month's two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out of the entire tour due to injury. Shariful Islam and Liton Das will also miss the opening Test.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that the 23-year-old pacer has suffered a strain to his left hamstring, sustained during the second T20 International against Zimbabwe last week. He is expected to remain sidelined for at least six weeks.

Nahid's absence is considered a significant blow for Bangladesh, who are set to play their first Test series in Australia in 23 years. The right-arm fast bowler has been one of the team's standout performers this year, claiming 44 international wickets at an average of 18.31, including four five-wicket hauls.

According to the BCB, Nahid will require approximately four weeks for recovery before beginning a phased rehabilitation program lasting between two and four weeks prior to returning to full bowling.

Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Shariful Islam will also miss the first Test in Darwin after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe tour. He is expected to resume bowling from July 29, with a fitness assessment scheduled for August 12. If declared fit, he could return for the second Test in Mackay beginning on August 22.

Wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das is also continuing his recovery from a left calf muscle injury suffered against Australia in June. He is set to begin running and fitness training from July 28 and will undergo a fitness test on August 13. If his rehabilitation progresses as expected, he could be available for the second Test.

The injury concerns extend beyond the Test squad. Fast bowler Tanzim Hasan is expected to remain out of action for much of 2026 due to injury, while Mustafizur Rahman, who was ruled out of The Hundred with a right hamstring and calf injury, is targeting a return to competitive cricket in mid-August.

Bangladesh are scheduled to depart for Australia on August 1. The first Test will be played in Darwin from August 13, followed by the second Test in Mackay starting on August 22. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship.

END/SMA/AJ