Webster Makes Big Comment on Nahid Rana

Bangladesh have arrived in Australia for a bilateral Test series after 23 years, but the visitors have suffered a major setback even before the series begins. Pace sensation Nahid Rana has been ruled out through injury, and Australian all-rounder Beau Webster believes his absence is a significant blow for Bangladesh.

The first Test will begin the day after tomorrow at Darwin’s Marrara Stadium. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Webster mentioned Nahid more than any other Bangladeshi bowler.

“Nahid’s absence is a big blow for the team. We’ve seen him bowl above 145 km/h in ODIs. Not having someone like that in the attack… he is a genuine threat.”

Uncertainty Around Bangladesh’s Bowling Attack

Although Nahid is unavailable, Bangladesh still have Taskin Ahmed, Mushfik Hasan, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed in the squad. However, Webster admitted that he does not know much about the rest of the bowling unit.

“Just like the conditions, there is a bit of uncertainty about their bowlers and how they will perform on that wicket.”

Australia’s current players also have limited knowledge of the Darwin surface, as a Test match is being played at Marrara Stadium for the first time in 22 years.

Nahid’s Reputation Has Reached the Australian Camp

Webster has played only eight Tests, facing India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and England, and this will be his first Test against Bangladesh. Yet Nahid’s pace and aggressive style have clearly caught attention.

He said he had spoken to Australian players who faced Bangladesh in the ODI series last June.

“I was told he is very aggressive and creates a lot of pressure on batters. Not having someone like that in the attack certainly makes things easier for the opposition.”

Bangladesh won that ODI series 2–1, with Nahid taking four wickets in two matches.

History Favors Australia

Bangladesh have played six Tests against Australia, winning only once and losing the other five. In their previous Test series in Australia in 2003, they lost both matches by an innings.

Webster: A Rare Kind of All-Rounder

Webster himself is a unique cricketer, capable of bowling both pace and spin with his right hand — a rare combination in international cricket. Yet one of the liveliest moments of the press conference came when he was asked about his thick beard.

Laughing, Webster replied,

“Laziness. I’ve been away from home for quite a while. My mum usually cuts my hair — she’s a hairdresser. I haven’t been home, so that’s probably the reason.”

It may be a challenging tour for Bangladesh, but Webster’s comments make one thing clear: even though Nahid Rana is not playing, the impact of his pace has already been felt inside the Australian dressing room.