Nahid rana ruled out of West Indies Tests with labrum tear

Bangladesh have suffered another setback in their pace department after fast bowler Nahid Rana was diagnosed with a labrum tear, ruling him out of the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies and casting doubt over his availability for the tour of South Africa next month.

A Bangladesh Cricket Board official confirmed the diagnosis after Rana underwent a specialist assessment in Australia. The pacer had been experiencing discomfort, and the latest examination identified a more specific problem than the back and pelvic weakness initially suspected.

Rana has received an injection in Australia and started a rehabilitation programme. He is expected to resume bowling on October 30, although that would mark a step in his recovery rather than confirmation of his return to competitive cricket.

His absence is a significant blow for Bangladesh ahead of the first Test against West Indies, which begins in Mirpur on October 28. The second Test is scheduled to start in Sylhet on November 5.

The injury also leaves the team management with uncertainty over the pace attack for Bangladesh's two-Test tour of South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 15. His chances of featuring in the first Test there appear limited, while his availability for the second will depend on his recovery.

Rana's latest setback follows a difficult period in which injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress. He suffered a grade-two side strain during Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe in July, forcing him to miss subsequent assignments, including the Australia tour, the Asian Games and the one-off Test against Afghanistan.

During rehabilitation, he suffered a further glute injury that ruled him out of the UAE tri-series involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The latest diagnosis has now extended his spell away from international cricket.

Bangladesh will have to manage the West Indies series without one of their most promising fast bowlers. His recovery will be closely watched as the team prepares for a demanding schedule, but the priority will be ensuring that he returns only when medically ready.

If Rana cannot recover in time for the South Africa Tests, a comeback during the subsequent white-ball matches against the same opponents could become an alternative, depending on his rehabilitation progress.