Bangladesh’s injury list has grown ahead of their tour of Australia, with four pacers and one batter currently sidelined. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) medical department has issued fresh updates on each player’s recovery timeline.
Nahid Rana is the most significant absentee, ruled out of the Australia tour after suffering a grade 2 side strain. The BCB said the injury will take around four weeks to heal, after which the pacer will need a further two to four weeks to build up his bowling workload, putting his total recovery period at six to eight weeks.
Shoriful Islam, who picked up a grade 1 left hamstring injury during the Zimbabwe tour, is expected to resume bowling from 29 July, with a fitness assessment pencilled in for around 12 August. The BCB confirmed he is unlikely to be fit for the first Test against Australia but remains in contention for the second, provided he completes his bowling workload and passes medical clearance.
Captain Litton Das, sidelined with a left calf muscle injury, underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy after consulting a specialist in Singapore. He is due to begin running and conditioning work from 28 July, ahead of a fitness assessment around 13 August. Should his rehabilitation go to plan, Litton is expected to be available for selection from the second Test onwards.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib remains on a longer road back, with his return dependent on the healing of a bone fracture. The BCB indicated he could be fit to play again towards the end of the year.
There was more encouraging news on Mustafizur Rahman, who is recovering well from right hamstring and calf injuries sustained during the Zimbabwe tour. The left-arm pacer is undergoing daily rehabilitation and is scheduled for a fitness assessment towards the end of July. If his progress continues as expected, he should be fully available for selection after 18 August.
