For the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on 1 June in the West Indies and the USA, former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has backed Nathan Ellis as Australia’s third fastest bowler.
At 29, he is also known for his cunning pace bowling with a variety of options. Despite not being a permanent fixture in the team, he has shown his worth by taking 24 wickets in 14 T20Is for Australia.
Ellis was also part of the reserve players during their win at the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE.However, he was excluded from a 15-man squad list that participated on home soil during the hosting of this years edition in April.
Paine’s support suggests that Ellis can make significant contributions to Australia’s bowling attack in this tournament.
“I think they’ve got a great chance Australia, I hope they take it because I’d pick Nathan Ellis. He would be my third quick: (because) I think he just complements the other guys really well; he’s got a different skillset; comes from a different angle; different height; and I think some variety in this attack will be really important to win this World Cup,” said Paine on ESPN’s Around The Wicket show.
In IPL 2024, Punjab Kings only selected him once for their match against Rajasthan Royals when bowled figures of 1/24 before contributing to his side’s rare win. In their first warm-up game against Namibia at the ongoing ICC T20 WC held today, he recorded superb figures of one over for seventeen runs from his four overs.
Maintaining performance consistency, former Australian Test skipper Paine sees no reasons why Ellis cannot start in such an event. Nevertheless, Paine believes Josh Hazlewood or Pat Cummins will be tough choices for another paceman since it provides additional depth and flexibility to Australia’s bowling unit.
“Who are you not picking? [pause] Mitchell Starc, (he) is my out and out number one quick, I’m picking him, obviously going with Adam Zampa and then I’m going to choose between Josh Hazlewood or Pat Cummins.
“I am going to go for one of them and will go for Nathan Ellis’ all-round skills. He can bowl through the powerplay as well, his slower balls are very good. His international record for the opportunities that he’s been given is outstanding and I think now is the right time.
“But it doesn’t mean they’re not two of the best bowlers in the country, they’re elite bowlers, they’ll continue to be throughout their careers. I just think Nathan Ellis complements the rest of that attack really, really well,” he said.
Australia has another warm-up game against West Indies before they start their campaign against Oman from Group B at Kensington Oval on June 5th.They will also face England,Namibia and Scotland during this stage of the competition.
This demanding timetable presents adequate opportunity for Australia to finetune its strategies and assess form ahead of important contests within T20 World Cup. With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, Australia seeks to underline its intentions in pursuit of T20 World Cup glory.
