Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis confident strong list can turn around fortunes this summer

One of two BBL franchises yet to hold silverware, Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis is confident they can be genuine contenders this summer. Here’s why.

Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis has promised to leave “no stone unturned” this summer in the hopes of delivering a maiden BBL title to a franchise long starved of the ultimate success.

One of Australia’s best fast bowlers will lead the ‘Cane train for the second straight season after taking on the role from veteran Matthew Wade ahead of BBL13.

And after a season last summer that promised so much but again failed to deliver a title, Ellis is determined to turn the Hurricanes fortunes around when they start their season on Thursday against the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong.

Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis will lead Hobart for a second straight tournament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Speaking at Friday’s season launch, Ellis was confident being able to roll out a very similar squad to last season would help their chances this summer while he also backed fresh faces Charlie Wakim and Jake Doran to make an impact.

“I prioritise low turnover in tournament cricket and I think that’s a really important factor (in success),” Ellis said.

“We’ve been able to do that and we have a squad we’ve built over a number of years.

“It’s great to get two more locals into the group (though) and knowing both of these guys, I know they will add plenty both on and off the field.

“They will add plenty to the change rooms, alongside our batting depth and keeping depth (with Jake Doran). They can bat in any role and fill any gaps and I feel confident in the fact that they are not going to let anyone down, so I’m excited to have those guys on board.”

Heading into last season as a first-time captain, Ellis said he took plenty of learnings out of year one and was hopeful his recent injury troubles were also behind him.

“There was a lot of on field learnings just by doing it,” he said.

“I think you learn on the run by just doing it but then you also get feedback from players and staff, which I sought out. I was really keen, being a first time captain, to really learn and hear from the people that have a say and have opinions that I really value.

“So you take feedback, learnings and criticism and you also reinforce the things that you do well initially. There isn’t a world where I think I’m a great captain or I have it nailed down but I’m really fortunate to have a strong squad of players and leaders to lean on.

“I’ll leave no stone unturned to lead this squad to success and put us in the best position to try and do well.”