With Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood all absent for the T20 series against Scotland, Nathan Ellis finds himself as Australia's most experienced fast bowler, despite having only 17 international caps.
Ellis acknowledges that he still feels like a "newcomer" in the Australian squad, but he recognises that the upcoming series in Scotland presents a crucial opportunity for him to step out of the shadow of the 'big three.' Having secured a spot as Australia's fourth pacer for this year's T20 World Cup, Ellis is now preparing to lead the pace attack in the team's first matches since their Super Eight exit at the hands of India and Afghanistan.
At 29, Ellis is not yet entirely comfortable with the title of senior bowler, but he admits he has been eyeing the white-ball tour of the UK in September as a chance to gain more consistent international experience. He featured in three matches during the World Cup in the Caribbean in June, with his last appearance being against Scotland, but was left out of the Super Eights once Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood became available.
However, with Cummins and Starc being rested for the upcoming six T20 matches against Scotland and England, and Hazlewood sidelined due to a minor calf strain, Ellis suddenly finds himself as the most experienced pacer in the squad. "Honestly, I don’t really see myself in that role, so it feels a bit strange to hear it," Ellis shared in an upcoming episode of the Unplayable Podcast with cricket.com.au.
"This series has been on my radar for a while, given the schedule and the demands it places on the other guys," Ellis explained. "Anytime I get to wear the Aussie jersey, I'm thrilled, so the longer I can keep wearing it, the better."
Ellis is also encouraged by his familiarity with English conditions, having played for London Spirit in The Hundred for the past three years and spending two seasons with Hampshire in the T20 Blast. Although this will be his first time representing Australia in the UK, his experience could prove invaluable.
Reflecting on his journey, Ellis noted that the 'big three' have long been the backbone of Australia's pace attack, but he praised the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Mitch Marsh. "Whether you've played 100 games or none, you're encouraged to be yourself," he said. "Everyone's welcoming, calm, and relaxed, which speaks volumes about the culture 'Ronnie' and Mitch have built."
Ellis admitted he still feels like a fresh face but is eager to keep donning the Aussie jersey and playing alongside the newer members of the squad. He hopes to form new partnerships and combinations that could be crucial for future games and tournaments. "I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a leader, but if I can help in any way or make someone feel more at home, I’m all in," Ellis added.
He is particularly excited about the prospect of teaming up with his close friend Riley Meredith in Australian colours for the first time. Meredith, a fellow Tasmanian and Hobart Hurricanes speedster, earned a last-minute call-up due to Hazlewood's injury. The 28-year-old is set to play his first international match in over three years after a strong domestic season in Australia and a successful T20 Blast campaign with Somerset.
Meredith will join Sean Abbott and emerging Queensland pacer Xavier Bartlett in Australia’s restructured pace attack for the Scotland series. While Abbott and Bartlett featured in Australia’s T20 squad last summer, Meredith’s last appearance was during the white-ball tour of the Caribbean in 2021, amid the height of the Covid pandemic.
Ellis has witnessed Meredith’s journey back to the international stage following years of injury struggles, and he believes his fellow right-armer, capable of hitting speeds up to 150kph, is "fitter, stronger, and hungrier" than ever. This resurgence comes after a strong two-year period where Meredith missed just one game for the Hurricanes.