How Tasmanian cricket has changed Hobart Hurricane’s champion captain Nathan Ellis’ life
He’s just led the Hurricanes to a maiden BBL title, but skipper Nathan Ellis has credited Tasmanian cricket for ‘changing his life.’
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After becoming the Hurricane’s first-ever title-winning captain, Nathan Ellis declared Tasmanian cricket “has changed my life.”
There’s plenty of reasons why Nathan Ellis was Hobart’s standout choice for skipper two seasons ago.
It’s not only his character and leadership, but his passion for Tasmanian cricket.
He may hail from New South Wales, but he’s made the state home and credits it for his personal and team success after Monday’s breakthrough victory.
“Cricket in Tasmania has changed my life, personally to be a part of the first BBL champions in Tassie is really special,” Ellis told this masthead.
“I came down seven or eight years ago as a budding club cricketer, not really knowing which way was up and living out of home for the first time.
“Since then I’ve played for my country and won a BBL title and played around the world, it goes without saying I wouldn’t have done that without Cricket Tasmania.
“This group has really tried to embrace being cricketers in Tasmania this year, and I think we’ve embodied that.
“You’ve seen that with the crowds who’ve come back, and I just feel really proud this group has been able to bring some silverware to Tasmania. It’s a really special time to be a cricketer in Tassie.”
Ellis was appointed captain before last season, replacing Matthew Wade.
The Hurricanes missed the finals but after a rocky opening game where they were skittled for 74, dominated the BBL in his second year in charge.
Mitch Owen’s incredible 108 off 42 balls has taken the limelight, but Ellis deserves plaudits for delivering when it mattered.
The Thunder were 0-97 at the halfway mark of their innings, before Ellis dismissed David Warner and Matt Gilkes just after the break.
He finished with 3-23 off four overs in an outstanding display.
“A little bit (I felt I needed to step up),” Ellis said.
“The conversation was we needed a wicket and thankfully it happened, there’s many nights when it doesn’t happen. I’m not going to sit there and big myself up too much, but I couldn’t have been happier with our back end bowling performance and it’s something we’ve done all tournament.
“We’ve tightened the screws at the right time, and am just pleased this group managed to put together this performance, because I felt like we deserved tonight.”
“I think his captaincy’s been great, and I say that because of the fun and enjoyment the players seem to be having.
“Even the way Nathan presents when he talks, the first thing he said (after the semi win over the Sixers) was it’s a great night for Tasmanian cricket. He just took it away from himself, and not just the Hurricanes.
“He just a really well-rounded guy who understands the bigger picture, and has the respect of his teammates with how he’s played his cricket.
“The main reason we appointed him captain was for that, and we had a few options. We could have kept going with Wadey or Tim David, who has played cricket around the world.
“But the standout for us was Nathan, because of the character he brings to that role.”
Originally published as How Tasmanian cricket has changed Hobart Hurricane’s champion captain Nathan Ellis’ life
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