Tim Paine, ex-captain of Australia, advocates for Nathan Ellis’s inclusion in Australia’s primary bowling lineup for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Paine suggests a possible dilemma between Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, leaving the final decision pending. Ellis’s performance and potential evidently impress Paine, who sees him as a strong contender. This strategic decision-making underscores the depth of talent within Australia’s bowling arsenal, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful selection for the prestigious tournament ahead.
Tim Paine’s Thoughts About Nathan Ellis:
Despite delivering noteworthy performances in the 14 T20 matches he has participated in, Nathan Ellis has faced challenges in securing a consistent spot in Australia’s lineup, particularly in home fixtures. Despite being a reserve during Australia’s victorious campaign in the 2021 T20 World Cup held in the UAE, Ellis was not selected for the squad during the 2022 edition hosted domestically.
Tim Paine said, “I think Australia have a great opportunity, and I hope they take it in this World Cup, and that is to pick Nathan Ellis. He would be my third quick. I think he just complements the other guys really well, he’s got a different skillset, comes from a different angle, different height, and think some variety in the attack will be really important to win this World Cup.”
He further said, “I know you are going to ask me straightaway who aren’t you playing…I’m going to go Mitchell Starc, [he] is my out and out number one quick, I’m picking him, obviously going with Adam Zampa, and I’m doing to decide between Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.”
He added, “I’m going to pick one of them and I’m going to go with Nathan Ellis’ all-round skills, his ability to bowl all through the powerplay, I think his slower balls, he’s clever. His international record for the opportunities that he’s been given is outstanding and I think now is the right time…that’s not to say they [Cummins and Hazlewood] are not the best couple of bowlers in the country, they are outstanding bowlers, and will continue to be, I just think Nathan Ellis complements the rest of that attack really, really well.”
Mitchell Starc concluded his IPL campaign impressively, securing consecutive Player of the Match accolades while representing Kolkata Knight Riders, the title holders. Pat Cummins displayed remarkable consistency as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Hazlewood showcased his T20 prowess with notable performances, including a commendable 3 for 16 in the 2021 final, whenever his schedule permitted his participation in the format.
Nathan Ellis’s Performance:
Nathan Ellis has proven his mettle, especially in the challenging phases of T20 matches: the powerplay and the death overs. Since 2020, Ellis boasts an impressive record, with the second-best powerplay economy among the World Cup squad members, trailing only Hazlewood. Additionally, he excels at the death, where he has established himself as Australia’s premier quick, having bowled substantially more overs than his counterparts.
Ellis made a solitary appearance for Punjab Kings in the latest IPL season, claiming 1 wicket for 24 runs in a rare victory for the team, which ended second from the bottom. In Australia’s initial warm-up game against Namibia, he secured 1 wicket while conceding 17 runs in his allocated four overs.
Australia may experiment with various bowling combinations during the group-stage matches against Oman, England, Namibia, and Scotland. Notably, Starc and Cummins are set to join the squad in Barbados over the weekend, potentially altering the team’s dynamic and allowing for further adjustments in the bowling lineup.
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