Bangladesh to tour Australia without Nahid, chief selector explains

Bangladesh have suffered a major blow ahead of their Test series in Australia after more than two decades. Young pacer Nahid Rana has been ruled out of the entire series due to a Grade-2 tear in his left calf muscle. Meanwhile, Liton Kumar Das and Shariful Islam will miss the first Test due to injuries, though the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) hopes to have them available for the second Test. The first Test begins on 13 August in Darwin, with the second and final Test scheduled for 22 August in Mackay.

Nahid picked up the injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on 14 July. A scan revealed a Grade-2 tear, and the BCB said he would need six to eight weeks for a full recovery. Initially there was hope of his return for the second Test, but that was later ruled out. His absence has created a significant void in Bangladesh's pace attack for this crucial World Test Championship series.

On the same day, Shariful Islam sustained a Grade-1 tear in his left hamstring. He is expected to start bowling from 29 July, with good progress in his rehabilitation. Subject to medical clearance after a fitness test on 12 August, he may be considered for the second Test.

Liton Kumar Das injured his left calf muscle during the final ODI against Australia. He underwent Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment in Singapore following consultation with a specialist. If he completes his rehabilitation successfully, he will be considered for selection for the second Test.

Two other pacers — Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman — are also on the injury list. The uncertainty surrounding five cricketers, including four pacers, has significantly impacted Bangladesh's preparations.

The BCB has announced a 15-member squad for the first Test. The squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, sees the return of Soumya Sarkar and Jaker Ali Anik after a long gap, while wicketkeeper-batter Amit Hasan has been given a maiden call-up. The pace attack includes Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and young pacer Mushfik Hasan.

Responding to criticism over Nahid's inclusion against Zimbabwe, chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon said he was played following the scientific process of workload management. GPS tracker data is analysed to plan fast bowlers' matches and rest. He said keeping a pacer out for too long also increases injury risk, so it is necessary to keep him in the 'green zone' through a specific number of matches and bowling.

He added that Nahid's injury was unfortunate but could have happened in Australia as well. The BCB has taken utmost caution regarding his workload and fitness. However, keeping fast bowlers entirely injury-free is never easy.

Meanwhile, the BCB's medical department has also come under question over the multiple injuries and Liton's treatment process. In particular, whether the diagnosis and treatment protocol for Liton's calf muscle injury was appropriate is being reviewed. Board sources have said the BCB's chief physician Debashish Chowdhury and national team physio Bayezidul Islam have been asked for explanations.