Nathan Ellis is back to play in the Big Bash better than ever. (Photo: cricket.com.au)
After making his stunning international debut in August, fast bowler Nathan Ellis is looking to take his new level of experience into BBL|11.
Ellis joined the Australian XI for the third match of the T20I series against Bangladesh, where he made history as the first cricketer to claim a hat-trick on international debut.
He closed out the innings with a run out of Nurul Hasan, and gave his field ample opportunity to catch both Mahedi Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman back-to-back.
The New South Welshman was also named as a reserve for the T20 World Cup Squad, learning under the likes of now Test captain Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
“I was really lucky, the squad and the coaching staff that we had and my experience in the IPL meant I got to rub shoulders with the biggest and the best players around the world,” Ellis said.
“Just the training side of things and more things around the execution and the thought process in T20 cricket is probably the biggest thing from my experience.
“Surreal to be a part of and got to be up on the stage when we got to lift the trophy, that’s something I’ll never forget.
“Hoping to try and emulate the success that the big boys had over there.”
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A key member in helping Australia to the win was Ellis’ Hurricanes captain, Matthew Wade.
The wicketkeeper put on a show in the semi-final against Pakistan, closing out the batting innings with a remarkable knock of 41* off 17 balls, including four sixes.
“I don’t want to be anywhere near him at the moment, he won’t stop talking about the semi-final,” Ellis laughed.
Though Wade has been the focus of criticism for inconsistent performances, with many questioning his national selection, he more than silenced doubters in the UAE.
Ellis is hoping he’ll be back to form which saw him put up huge scores in BBL|10.
“Really excited, he’s on top of the world at the moment and rightfully so,” Ellis said.
“He’s a great player, he’s done a lot for both Tassie and Australia. He’s hitting the ball better than anyone at the moment, so hopefully he brings that he had for Australia back to Hurricanes and no doubt he will.
“I think he’s nursing a little injury at the moment that he sustained in training before the final and he was tough and got on with it and played the final.
“I’m hoping he’ll bring some of that form back to the Hurricanes. He’s an ever-evolving player, he gets better and better.”
With the next T20 World Cup set to be held in Australia in 2022, Ellis is making it his goal to not just be a reserve on home soil.
His year has given him the extra push to take his game to the next level and remain a national fast-bowling option.
“I fully did not expect to be on the Australia tour in the Caribbean and Bangladesh and then to get the call-up to the World Cup as a travelling reserve was one of my greatest achievements,” Ellis said.
“Whilst I fully didn’t expect that to happen, I’ve been close now and so close but I wasn’t there for the World Cup.
“It’s made me want it even more so I’m really excited to try and do the best I can in the Big Bash and throw my hat in the ring for next year.”
The Hobart Hurricanes kick off their BBL|11 tournament at home against the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday, December 8.
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