Dhaka, July 25 -- Bangladesh's preparations for their historic two-match Test series in Australia suffered a major setback on Saturday, with pace spearhead Nahid Rana ruled out after sustaining a Grade 2 left side strain.

The 23-year-old speedster is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, making him unavailable for Bangladesh's first Test tour Down Under in 23 years.

Rana's absence is a major blow for Bangladesh; he has taken 44 international wickets this year, the most by any bowler, at an average of 18.31, including four five-wicket hauls, according to ESPNcricinfo.

"He is expected to require approximately four weeks for tissue healing, followed by a further two to four weeks of bowling workload progression," a BCB statemen...