Rana’s return to action in doubt after fresh back pain

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana’s participation in the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies remains uncertain after he developed back pain during rehabilitation, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) awaiting medical assessments before determining his availability.

The series begins on October 28, and reports in the media have indicated that the latest setback has disrupted Rana’s plans to return through the tri-nation ODI series in the United Arab Emirates, involving Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

Rana has been out of action since suffering a grade-two side strain in Zimbabwe in July. The injury ruled him out of Bangladesh’s Test series against Australia, the Asian Games and the ongoing one-off Test against Afghanistan.

The pacer had previously suffered a shin bone sprain before sustaining the side strain. He had increased his bowling intensity in recent weeks to rebuild his workload ahead of a return, but the back pain emerged during the process.

Rana underwent medical investigations at Evercare Hospital, with the BCB assessing his scans. He has also been advised to stop bowling for the time being, while the board is considering seeking a second opinion from a specialist abroad.

Chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon has indicated that Rana has not been ruled out of the West Indies series, although the board has yet to establish a timeline for his return.

“He is not completely ruled out of the West Indies series. We are going step by step and plan was for him to play the tri-nation series but he will not be able to play there,” Bashar told reporters.

“He is undergoing scans and if needed may be sent abroad. We are trying to get him back soon but at this moment a time frame can’t be given,” he added.

Bangladesh will now await the results of the medical assessment before determining whether the 23-year-old pacer can recover in time for the two Tests against the West Indies.