Taskin Ahmed Reveals What Can Stop Bangladesh From Winning On Australia Tour

Taskin Ahmed opens up on Bangladesh's injury crisis [Source: AP, AFP]

Bangladesh is touring Australia for a 2-game Test series which will begin on August 13 at Darwin. However, before the big Test, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed pointed out a key missing piece that could hamper the visitors’ campaign.

The first Test is scheduled at Darwin from August 13 to 17. Najum Shanto-led Bangladesh squad participated in a practice game against Cricket Australia XI and lost by an innings and 38 runs.

Taskin Ahmed misses Nahid Rana ahead of first Test vs Australia

Having said that, Bangladesh received a huge blow before Australia as key pacer Nahid Rana got ruled out because of a side strain. He is travelling with the team to Down Under for medical assessment and will not take the field as per team orders.

Needless to say, Rana’s absence will create a huge void in Bangladesh’s pace attack, and his fellow teammate Taskin Ahmed agrees with the same. In a recent interview, he admitted that Nahid is a major threat in world cricket and that Bangladesh will miss him.

“Nahid Rana is a big threat nowadays in world cricket. Unfortunately, he got injured. If they were there, Rana and Shoriful, it might have been different." 

Also, Bangladesh's problems don't stop with Nahid Rana. Another pacer, Shoriful Islam, has been ruled out of the first Test because of a hamstring injury. His availability for the second Test will depend on whether he passes a fitness test. So, Bangladesh could potentially be without two of their key fast bowlers during the series.

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Bangladesh’s injury woes deepen

After losing Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, Bangladesh could also lose spinner Taijul Islam to a finger injury he sustained during the practice game against Cricket Australia XI.

He was batting at No. 9 and made only 10 runs from 15 balls before being forced to leave the match. Because he could not continue, Bangladesh requested permission from the match officials to use uncapped pacer Musfik Hasan as his replacement in the field. 

Having said that, at this stage, Bangladesh have not officially ruled Taijul out of the first Test. His fitness will be monitored by the BCB over the next few days before a final decision is made. 

Will Bangladesh fall short vs Australia?

Bangladesh head into the Australia Test series with several concerns surrounding their bowling attack. The absence of Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam has already left the pace department short of experience, while Taijul Islam's finger injury has created further uncertainty. 

Taskin Ahmed will have to shoulder greater responsibility, with the remaining bowlers expected to step up in unfamiliar conditions against a formidable Australian side.

If Taijul is ruled out, Bangladesh will lose their most successful Test bowler and one of their most dependable performers. With the first Test beginning in Darwin on August 13, Bangladesh will be desperate for positive fitness updates before facing Australia.

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