Josh Hazlewood

‘He’s got a different skillset’: Tim Paine picks seamer Nathan Ellis in Australia’s attack for T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones7 months ago05 mins

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)

Jake Fraser-McGurk’s time will come: Josh Hazlewood on DC opener’s T20 World Cup snub

Danijones8 months ago04 mins

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood opened up on Jake Fraser-McGurk’s snub from the T20 World Cup 2024, saying that the DC opener’s time in Australian colours will come. However, Hazlewood lamented that neither he nor Steven Smith could be included in Australia’s 15-man T20 World Cup squad, admitting that Smith’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the Caribbean. Australia’s selectors sparked a debate last week by leaving Fraser-McGurk and Smith out of the 15-man squad. The Australian fans were furious that the 22-year-old T20 sensation had been overlooked despite his outstanding IPL performance. Notably, Fraser-McGurk has scored 259 runs in the first six innings of the IPL 2024, at an average of 43.16 and a strike rate of 158.56, with three half-centuries to his name. On his IPL debut, the 22-year-old hit a phenomenal 55 off 35 balls against LSG before going on to score an incredible 84 (27) against MI. “The way he goes about it is quite special, just the ball striking,” Hazlewood said. “Where do you fit him in? It’s so tough to fit into that top order with what we’ve got there with experience with Travis [Head], Mitch [Marsh] and Davey [Warner] in the top three, and then the middle order’s pretty good as well. “He’ll definitely get his time. He’s only young. He’ll be in the team sooner rather than later, I think.” IPL 2024 Full Coverage | IPL 2024 Points Table and Standings | 2024 IPL Full Schedule Hazlewood thought Smith was unlucky to miss out, given his batting ability in spinning circumstances and leadership experience. “Probably someone like Marshy will miss him being captain and just having another player on the field like Smudge [Smith] who you can just turn to at any time and get his advice,” Hazlewood said. “Obviously his batting and fielding as well. The conditions potentially could have suited his game and it’s always like picking up the pieces from a bad start is his job, but I think the way we’ve seen him bat for the Sixers [in the BBL], there’s a spot at the top as well, but again, you just can’t squeeze everyone in.” Hazlewood has been absent from the IPL this year, despite being a highly sought-after bowler in previous years. He was not selected at the auction because his availability was limited, and he wanted to be home for the birth of his son during the early stages of the tournament. He continued to bowl while at home in the hopes of being called up as an injury replacement in the IPL, but no such opportunity arose. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: May 6, 2024