The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is using the national team’s upcoming tour of Australia to secure specialist medical consultations for several key players, taking advantage of a rare opportunity to access world-class sports medicine facilities.

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana were set to travel to Australia ahead of the main squad on Tuesday night, while Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will also consult a knee specialist after arriving with the team.

Taskin flew early to Australia for a specialist assessment of his ankle. The experienced pacer is expected to join the squad after completing his consultation.

Nahid, who has been ruled out of the two-match Test series because of a left-side strain sustained during the Zimbabwe tour, also travelled to Australia despite not being available for selection. The young fast bowler will undergo advanced treatment for a long-standing shinbone issue that has troubled him for some time.

Unlike Nahid, Shanto is not carrying an injury that will keep him out of the series. However, the Bangladesh captain has experienced occasional discomfort in his knee and will use the opportunity to have it examined by a specialist as a precautionary measure.

Bangladesh do not tour Australia frequently, with the upcoming series marking their first Test visit in 23 years. Recognising the quality of sports medicine available there, the BCB has decided to maximise the trip by arranging consultations for players who require specialist opinions instead of scheduling separate overseas visits later.

The remainder of the Bangladesh squad is scheduled to depart on the night of 31 July.

Bangladesh will play a two-match World Test Championship series, with the first Test beginning on 13 August at Marrara Oval in Darwin before the second Test starts on 22 August at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.