Massive setback for Australia as star pacer ruled out of BBL finals due to injury, doubtful for T20 World Cup

Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the Big Bash League (BBL) playoffs due to a hamstring injury. He has been a highly-important player for the reigning BBL champions in the ongoing season, picking up 14 wickets in nine matches. This is a body blow for the Hurricanes, who are set to face the Sydney Sixers in the second BBL qualifier on Friday.

Ellis had picked up the injury during a league stage match against the Brisbane Heat and then missed the eliminator match against the Melbourne Stars. Hurricanes won that match by 3 runs and will now have a chance to make it to the final. Charlie Wakim has been named as Ellis' replacement and Ben McDermott will be leading the team in his place.

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"Hobart Hurricanes can confirm that skipper Nathan Ellis will miss the remainder of the BBL season and the BBL15 finals due to hamstring tightness," Hobart Hurricanes said in a statement.

"Ellis, who missed the Knockout on Wednesday night, was aiming to return for the final two matches of the BBL finals but was unfortunately unable to overcome the injury," the statement added.

Ellis to not feature in T20 WC?

Ellis' injury can turn out to be a major blow for Australia as he is currently doubtful to feature in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 31-year-old is one of the most experienced bowlers present in the Baggy Greens' current T20I set-up and they would have to come up with an appropriate replacement.

Ellis adds to Australia's injury worries

The pacer has been rested for Australia's upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan that will commence from January 29. This will be their final assignment before the T20 World Cup that will begin from February 7. Australia's injury woes just keep on getting worse as the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are also facing a race against time to fully recover for the T20 World Cup.

Australia's squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa