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Hurricanes Captain Nathan Ellis Ruled Out of Crucial BBL Knockout Clash

Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of their must-win BBL Knockout match against the Melbourne Stars due to an injury sustained against the Brisbane Heat. Ben McDermott will lead the side in his absence for the elimination clash, where a win or a rain-affected no-result would see them advance. The team is also without Rehan Ahmed, who has joined England's World Cup squad, and Jake Weatherald. Ellis was also recently rested by Australia's selectors for the upcoming T20I series in Pakistan.

Key Points: Nathan Ellis Injured, Out of BBL Knockout vs Melbourne Stars

  • Ellis injured vs Brisbane Heat
  • Ben McDermott to captain
  • Rehan Ahmed with England squad
  • Must-win knockout vs Melbourne Stars
  • Rain could impact result
2 min read

Nathan Ellis ruled out of Hobart's BBL Knockout clash

Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis is sidelined for the BBL Knockout. Ben McDermott to lead as team faces elimination against Melbourne Stars.

"His availability for the remainder of the Finals will be determined over the coming days. - Hobart Hurricanes"

Hobart, Jan 20

Hobart Hurricanes have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their BBL Knockout clash with Melbourne Stars, with skipper Nathan Ellis sidelined for the crucial encounter.

The Hurricanes confirmed Ellis sustained an injury during their match against the Brisbane Heat, though the exact details were not disclosed. The club added that his status for the rest of the finals series will be assessed in the coming days.

"The Hurricanes squad for the Knockout sees two changes from their match against the Heat. Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis will miss the Knockout following an injury sustained against the Heat. His availability for the remainder of the Finals will be determined over the coming days," the team said in a statement.

The Hurricanes face elimination if they lose to the Stars on Wednesday. However, a win, or even a rain-affected no result, with showers forecast, would be enough to send them through to Friday's Challenger final, where either Perth Scorchers or Sydney Sixers await.

The team also mentioned that Rehan Ahmed and Jake Weatherald will also remain unavailable for the side.

"Rehan Ahmed, after featuring in every regular season match for the Hurricanes, has now joined England's World Cup squad and will miss the BBL|15 Finals. Jake Weatherald will also be unavailable," they said.

Ben McDermott will lead Hurricanes in Ellis's absence. Their loss to Brisbane Heat, where they had a comfortable chase but lost in the final moments when Zaman Khan defended six runs in the last over, resulted in missing the opportunity to host the Qualifier final.

On Monday, Australia's selectors announced that Ellis, who has become a crucial cog in Australia's T20 attack, would be rested, along with Glenn Maxwell, for the three-match T20I series in Pakistan, which serves as preparation for next month's World Cup.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an Aussie cricket fan, this is worrying. Ellis is so important for our T20 World Cup plans. CA resting him for Pakistan series is smart, but the Hurricanes' loss is huge. Ben McDermott has a massive job now.
A
Ananya R
Tough luck for Hobart! First that heartbreaking last-over loss to Heat, now this. Injuries at the worst time. But that's cricket – others need to step up. Weather might play a part too! ☔
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, the team management should have been more careful. He's a national asset. The article doesn't specify the injury, which is frustrating for fans. Hope it's not serious.
K
Karthik V
Watching from India, BBL is such great entertainment! Ellis is a fantastic death bowler. Hurricanes' chances look slim now against Stars. Maxwell also rested, so Australia clearly prioritizing the World Cup. Smart move.
M
Michael C
Rehan Ahmed gone for England duty too. Hurricanes are really up against it. McDermott leading in a knockout is a big test of his character. May the best team win!

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