Overview
- The 23-year-old sustained a side strain in the second T20I in Bulawayo on Sunday and was forced off after bowling 2.3 overs with figures of 1/15.
- Team officials have confirmed he will miss the third T20I and expect a two-to-three week layoff while they await scan results to gauge severity.
- Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and national selectors met in Dhaka to finalise the Test squad and assess backup seam options with Rana’s fitness the central topic.
- Rana’s recent form, including a career-best 4/26 in the series opener, means his likely absence would weaken Bangladesh’s pace attack for Australia’s bouncy wickets.
- The two-Test tour begins on August 13 in Darwin with a short warm-up in early August, so the narrow recovery window could force selection changes and alter Bangladesh’s bowling plans.