NEW DELHI: Former
Australia
Test captain
Tim Paine
advocates for
Nathan Ellis
to be Australia's third fast-bowling option in the upcoming
T20 World Cup
, set to commence on June 1 in the West Indies and the USA.
Ellis, aged 29, is lauded for his craftiness as a pacer, boasting an arsenal of variations. Despite not securing a permanent spot in the team, he has showcased his talent by claiming 24 wickets in 14 T20Is for Australia.
Notably, Ellis served as a reserve player during Australia's triumph in the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE.
However, he was omitted from the 15-member squad for the 2022 edition hosted at home.
Paine's endorsement highlights Ellis's potential to contribute significantly to Australia's bowling attack in the upcoming tournament.
"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 thinks some variety in the attack will be really important to win this World Cup," said Paine to ESPN's Around The Wicket show.
In IPL 2024, Ellis made only one appearance for
Punjab Kings, contributing with figures of 1-24 in a rare victory for his team, which struggled and finished second-last in the points table. During Australia's first T20 World Cup warm-up match against Namibia, Ellis continued to impress, picking up 1-17 from his four overs.
Given Ellis's consistent performances, former Australia Test captain Paine views him as a definite starter for the upcoming tournament. However, Paine believes the selection of the other pacer would be a toss-up between experienced campaigners
Josh Hazlewood
and
Pat Cummins
, adding depth and versatility to Australia's bowling lineup.
"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 going to decide 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 are set to face co-hosts West Indies in another warm-up match before kicking off their campaign against Group B opponents Oman at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 5. Subsequently, they will compete against England, Namibia, and Scotland in the league stage of the tournament.
This rigorous schedule will provide Australia with ample opportunities to fine-tune their strategies and gauge their form ahead of the crucial matchups in the T20 World Cup. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Australia aim to make a strong statement in pursuit of T20 World Cup glory.
(With IANS inputs)
English (US) ·