Bangladesh will have to face Australia without one of their biggest pace weapons after Nahid Rana was ruled out for eight weeks with a side strain.
The Tigers are preparing for their first Test tour of Australia in 23 years. Nahid’s absence has disappointed many, including former Bangladesh assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, who admitted he had been eagerly waiting to see the young fast bowler test the Australian batters.
Speaking during the Bangladesh High Performance Unit’s skill camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Salahuddin said the upcoming Australia tour had become the main topic of discussion, with Nahid’s injury also attracting attention.
“To be honest, I was also very excited to see when Nahid Rana would bowl bouncers to the Australian batters,” Salahuddin said.
Nahid suffered a Grade 2 side strain during the recent series against Zimbabwe. The injury is expected to keep him out for around two months, ruling him out of the Australia tour.
Instead of dwelling on the setback, Salahuddin urged the rest of Bangladesh’s pace attack to step up.
“I was also very excited about Nahid playing. Since it is not happening, there is no point regretting it now.”
“I think the other bowlers in the squad can also do very well if they bowl with a little more intelligence.”
Although Nahid will miss the series, Bangladesh still have an experienced pace attack led by Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud.
The squad also includes Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and young fast bowler Musfik Hasan, who earned a place in the touring party.
