Nathan Ellis opens up on his Australian journey so far: Grateful to have Mitchell Starc as an Influencer

Nathan Ellis, came in limelight after preyed on Virat Kohli’s massive wicket in the second of the three-match ODI series played between India and Australia.

In a recent interview opens up about the ways he maneuvers his bowling according to the track and how the veteran speedster Mitchell Starc has played the role of a huge influence in his journey in the baggy green.

28-year-old Ellis was named as the replacement for Jhye Richardson, and despite being a later entrant in the team, he looks excited to be part of the team ahead of the ODI World Cup later in India. 

“For me, I was not part of this squad initially. I was a late call-up, and I am just stoked to be here. I imagine that the guys who were named in the initial squad are taking it as a dress rehearsal,” he said.

Ellis addresses his bowling style and adjustments he makes according to the track

The wicket in Chennai is known to be conducive for spinners, but Ellis believes he has the skill set to succeed on the sluggish surface. “I am not necessarily a bouncy bowler as it is. As I said before, it is a matter of assessing the wicket on the day and adapting my sets of skills to the wicket. Whether it is adjusting my line, being a bit straighter,” he said. 

“If it is not as bouncy, slower balls if needed and changing my lengths. Tomorrow is about not going with any preconceived ideas. I am not sure about the team selection or what the team will look like. Obviously, it is going to spin here. For me, the slower balls might come into play. I think it will be a matter of assessing the wicket if we are bowling first,” he added. 

Starcy is a calming influence: Australia pacer Nathan Ellis

Nathan Ellis is enjoying his time in India and learning from the senior speedster Mitchell Starc in the three-match series against India. Ahead of the third ODI in Chennai, Ellis shared insights on the influence of Starc in his short international career and the calming impact of the left-arm seamer in the squad. 

“Starcy [nickname] has been huge for me. He is someone I looked up to a lot. He presented me my first Australia cap too. He is a big part of my Australia journey. Even the other day, speaking to him pre-game and post-game. He is a calming influence,” Ellis, 28, told media persons on the eve of the third ODI against India here on Tuesday. 

Starc has already taken eight wickets in two ODIs and Ellis termed his performance as “amazing”. “Starcy the other night was nothing short of amazing. It was great to watch. It was great to be a part of. Hopefully, he can repeat those tomorrow [Wednesday],” added Ellis. 

The two sides lock horns in the final ODI on Wednesday, March 22, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

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