Nathan Ellis was being chased by three IPL franchises for the upcoming tournament before agreeing to terms with an unnamed team on Thursday night.
Follow Us
Australian fast-bowler Nathan Ellis has earned a contract with a franchise for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, according to a report by Cricket.com.au. The 26-year-old was being chased by three franchises for the upcoming tournament. However, he agreed to terms with one of the teams on Thursday night. Ellis was recently named as one of three Australian reserve players for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will immediately follow the IPL.
The fast-bowler recently recorded a stunning hat-trick on international debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka, which propelled him into the limelight. A fine display by Ellis in the upcoming edition of IPL could well see him force his way into Australia’s main squad at the World Cup, should the opportunity arise. Franchises are set to finalise their squads in the coming days for the second half of the tournament.
Ellis’ journey has been a glorious one since breaking into the Tasmanian set-up in 2019, having been overlooked for an opportunity in his home state of NSW. The pacer was repeatedly urged to stop attempting to be a pacer at the top level, due to his height. However, Ellis has emerged as one of the best death bowlers in the Big Bash League (BBL), with impressive gameplay in first-class and one-day cricket as well.
“There were no promises or anything, but it was, ‘If you train well and play well, you’ll get the chance’. That was enough for me,” Ellis told cricket.com.au in 2019.
The 26-year-year further enjoyed praise from Australia’s chief selector George Bailey, a former teammate of Ellis at Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes.
“It’s a great story of perseverance and commitment to the cause. In terms of what you’re after from those reserves and knowing we can’t carry that many of them, you want someone who can cover as many bases as you can, particularly in T20 and the distinct roles of bowling with the newer ball and finishing off at the death.”
“We feel like Nathan covers those bases really well. He gives it his absolute all, he’s a terrific team man to have with the group and someone we see as having a really strong future in the Australian coloured clothing.”
IPL 2021 will be expected to be closely fought as evident from RR pacer Chetan Sakariya’s confidence, despite the franchise being placed 5th in the table ahead of resumption.
“I think whichever matches we won were extraordinary matches, like we were able to achieve the unachievable targets. And whichever matches we lost, were close matches except the RCB one. Therefore, I just want to focus on doing well for my team because I know that if I’m able to contribute, we will be able to win and hopefully make it to the playoffs.”
Sakariya further shared the secret behind his smile and calmness on the field.
“I always think of the worst outcome, and then I tell myself that I need to focus on what is under my control, and that is to bowl a good ball. More often than not, it has helped me in my career. I try to enjoy my game as much as I can, and that is where the smile also comes from.”
Rishabh Pant's explosive last-over blitz ignites IPL 2024 amid T20 World Cup comeback talks
