Nathan Ellis, a fast bowler, has been named the next Hobart Hurricanes captain, succeeding Matthew Wade.
Despite being consistent performers, the Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars are the only two franchises to have failed to win a BBL title since the T20 league began in 2011. They’ve finished second twice and never last – Adelaide Strikers are the only other team to avoid the wooden spoon.
However, new captain Ellis is looking to end the Hurricanes’ title drought. Ellis, 29, re-signed with the Hurricanes earlier this year after serving as their trusted spearhead alongside speedster Riley Meredith for the previous five seasons.
“The Hurricanes are a franchise that I hold very dear to my heart and have done a lot for me,” Ellis said in a statement. “So to have the opportunity to lead and hopefully bring some cutlery home to Tasmania is really exciting.”
He succeeds Wade, who was linked to a move to the Melbourne Renegades before signing a contract extension until at least 2026.
Wade will skipper Australia in a five-match T20I series against India following the 2023 ODI World Cup. Ellis is also a member of the group, which includes numerous players from Australia’s white-ball teams.
Ellis has impressed in T20Is with 18 wickets at an average of 11.88 from eight games since his remarkable international debut in August 2021, when he took a hat-trick against Bangladesh.
Ellis’ death bowling ability, where he deceives with canny slower deliveries, gives him a fascinating alternative as he prepares for next year’s T20 World Cup. Ellis, who is not in Australia’s ODI World Cup roster, has struggled in 50-over cricket, taking ten wickets at 38.20 in eight outings.
“He embodies everything the Hurricanes stand for; a great work ethic, resilience, and a fantastic attitude towards the game and his team-mates,” Hurricanes head coach Jeff Vaughan stated.
The Hurricanes kick off their season on December 11 in Launceston against the Sydney Sixers.
