Ellis bullish on Australia’s pace depth despite star losses

Big responsibility on Ellis’ shoulders. (PC: Cricket Australia)

Australia pacer Nathan Ellis has rued the absence of Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup, but believes the team has the depth to go deep into the tournament.

Ahead of the start of Australia’s campaign, they have been dealt a double blow, with both Hazlewood and Pat Cummins—part of the initial squad—ruled out due to fitness issues. Mitchell Starc retired last year, which means none of Australia’s big three will take part in the event.

Speaking specifically about Hazlewood’s absence, Ellis said:

“You lose a world-class player and one of the better white-ball bowlers in the world in Hoff [Hazlewood], so things are always going to have to change,” Ellis said. “It’s really unfortunate for our squad that Hoff is missing out, but also for him. I feel like the poor bugger has had a tough few months and hasn’t been able to get up. My role will be to try to be as adaptable as I can, but, yeah, missing Josh Hazlewood is always a big loss.”

The unavailability of Cummins and Hazlewood leaves Ellis to lead an inexperienced Australian bowling attack comprising Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett.

“We’ve had 18 to 24 months of cricket together where the big three haven’t been playing and we’ve had bigger workloads in the Test arena,” Ellis said. “So we’ve had time to form connections and build relationships on and off the field. As a bowling unit, I actually think we work together really, really well.”

A depleted Australia will kick-start their campaign against Ireland on February 11.

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