Nahid heads down under for second opinion

Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana has flown to Australia for a specialist assessment after experiencing fresh physical discomfort during his injury rehabilitation, raising further concerns over his recovery.

The fast bowler left for Perth on Thursday night after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to reassess his condition following pain and weakness in his lower body.

No new injury has been detected, but the board wants a second specialist opinion because Rana continues to experience discomfort during rehabilitation, a BCB source said.

His next course of action will be determined after consultations with specialists in Australia.

Rana had begun strength-building exercises after recovering from a side strain but has yet to regain the strength required to bowl at full capacity.

The pacer sustained the side strain during Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe in July. He had also previously suffered a shin sprain.

His injuries have ruled him out of the Test series against Australia, the Asian Games and the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He will also miss Bangladesh’s upcoming One Day International tri-series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates.

The latest assessment in Australia is expected to help the BCB determine the next steps in his rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, the BCB recently denied the 23-year-old a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after he was shortlisted for the upcoming Big Bash League.