Nahid Rana Ruled Out of West Indies Tests With Shoulder Injury, South Africa Tour in Doubt

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies due to an injury to the labrum in his shoulder. The injury has also cast doubt on his participation in Bangladesh’s two-Test tour of South Africa scheduled for November, according to a report by cricket website Cricbuzz.

Rana recently underwent medical examinations in Australia after experiencing physical discomfort. A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official subsequently confirmed his withdrawal to Cricbuzz. Initially, the pacer was believed to be suffering from weakness in his back and pelvic region. The BCB decided to send him abroad for further investigations to establish the cause of the problem.

Rana was already absent from Bangladesh’s 15-member squad announced for the first Test, scheduled to begin Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. He has now been ruled out of the entire series.

According to the BCB official, medical examinations revealed a labral tear in Rana’s shoulder. He has received an injection in Australia and has begun his rehabilitation programme. He could resume bowling from Friday, October 30.

However, BCB officials remain uncertain whether Rana will recover fully before the first Test against South Africa. His availability for the second Test will depend on the pace of his recovery.

The official added that if Rana is unable to recover in time for the second Test, he could make his return to competitive cricket during the subsequent one-day international and T20 international series.

The latest setback comes after a difficult period for the young fast bowler. Rana suffered a Grade 2 side strain during Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe in July. He subsequently missed the Australia tour, the Asian Games and the one-off Test against Afghanistan while working towards recovery.

During rehabilitation, he sustained a fresh gluteal injury, which also ruled him out of the tri-nation series in the United Arab Emirates involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play two home Tests against the West Indies beginning October 28. The team will then tour South Africa from November 15 for two Tests, three one-day internationals and three T20 internationals.