(CA Cricket)
Tim Paine, the former Test captain of Australia, believes that Nathan Ellis should be considered as Australia’s third fast-bowling choice for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, which commences on June 2 in the West Indies and the USA.
Ellis, aged 29, is known for his clever bowling tactics and possesses a variety of deliveries in his arsenal. Despite his impressive record of 24 wickets in 14 T20I matches for Australia, he has yet to secure a permanent position in the team. Although he served as a reserve player during Australia’s victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, he was not included in the 15-player squad for the 2022 edition held at home.
“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,” said Paine to ESPN’s Around The Wicket show.
Ellis had a solitary appearance for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024, contributing with figures of 1-24 in a rare victory for his team during a campaign where they languished second-last on the points table. During Australia’s initial T20 World Cup warm-up match against Namibia, Ellis showcased his skills by securing 1-17 from his allotted four overs.
With Ellis securing his place in the team, Paine believes the selection of the other fast bowler would come down to a choice between Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. He expressed, “I’m aware you’ll inquire about exclusions… My first choice for the pace department is Mitchell Starc without a doubt. He’s my primary pick. Alongside him, I’m opting for Adam Zampa. Now, it’s a decision between Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.”
“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,” he added.
Australia is set to encounter co-hosts West Indies in yet another warm-up match before kicking off their campaign against Group B rivals Oman at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 5. Following this opener, they will go head-to-head against England, Namibia, and Scotland during the league stage of the tournament.
