BBL: Hobart Hurricanes lock in Nathan Ellis, Ben McDermott

As the Hobart Hurricanes prepare to chase their first BBL crown, two important players have been locked in for the long-term future. Here are the details.

Nathan Ellis and Ben McDermott. (Photo by Sarah Reed - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

Life as a member of the Hobart Hurricanes has arguably never felt better and two key players are to extend their stays.

Captain Nathan Ellis and hard hitting batsman Ben McDermott have signed new three-year deals with the Big Bash franchise in a huge boost to the club’s long-term prospects.

The news comes just days out from what could be the biggest week in the club’s history as it prepares for a BBL finals where the Hurricanes enter as one of the favourites.

The Jeff Vaughan coach side have not lost since the opening game, winning seven straight to climb to the top of the ladder.

Ellis who has established himself as an Australian representative in the T20 and one-day international arena in recent years said he was excited to remain in purple.

“I feel immense pride in representing Tasmania, this state and this franchise has changed my life, and I’m really excited at the prospect of repaying the faith over the next few years,” he said.

“It’s been a great season thus far, and I’m excited to see where this group can go in the coming seasons.”

Nathan Ellis of the Hurricanes. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

While McDermott is probably better known for his power hitting across the competition, with three BBL centuries to his name, he has become an important leader in the Hobart squad.

When Ellis missed a game through illness this season, he stepped into the role and led the Canes to a win.

“It was a no-brainer for me to extend my time with the Hurricanes, especially after the cricket that we have played this year and the direction we are headed,” McDermott said.

“I am so excited to be a part of this group for another three BBL campaigns, and I feel as though we are really building something special in this group.”

Cricket Tasmania’s general manager of high performance Salliann Beams said she was excited to see the duo lock away their long-term futures.

She said Ellis “exemplifies what it means to play for the Hurricanes”.

Ben McDermott of the Hurricanes. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“Outside of his leadership, his pace bowling skillset is up there in the best in world cricket, and this clearly evident with his selection in the Australian team over the past few seasons,” Beams said.

“Nelly has been the major driver in creating the culture we want to exist within our team, and I am so pleased he will continue to play in Hobart.”

Beams also spoke on the impact of McDermott.

“He is an important member of our leadership group who continues to lead our batting group on and off the field,” Beams said.

“To have both Ben and Nathan on our list until BBL17, sets us for future seasons and should have Hurricanes fans super excited for what’s to come.”
The Hurricanes will close out its regular season with a game against the Melbourne Stars on Sunday night at the MCG.

Any player who is not yet contracted for next BBL season or beyond will become a free agent ahead of the trade period which starts on January 28.