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Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has travelled to Perth, Australia, for specialist medical advice after experiencing back pain and weakness around his hip during rehabilitation, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming West Indies series.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source said Rana left for Perth on Thursday night, where specialists will assess his condition. The board is seeking a second medical opinion because of the pacer’s importance to the team, although he has not suffered a new injury, the source said.
Rana sustained a side strain during Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe in July. The injury ruled him out of the Test series against Australia, the Asian Games and the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He has also been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series in the United Arab Emirates.
After recovering from the side strain, Rana resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation, gradually increasing his workload to regain match fitness. However, back pain and weakness around the hip disrupted the process.
According to BCB sources, Rana has started strength-building exercises but has yet to regain the strength required for bowling.
The pacer had also previously struggled with shin problems. His latest discomfort has further delayed his return to competitive cricket.
Bangladesh are scheduled to begin a two-Test home series against the West Indies on October 28. Rana had hoped to return for the series, but his participation is now uncertain. His rehabilitation and return-to-play plans are expected to become clearer after the assessment in Perth.
