Nathan Ellis to lead Hobart Hurricanes in BBL 2023-24

BBL franchise Hobart Hurricanes have announced Nathan Ellis as their skipper for the upcoming 2023–24 BBL season. Notably, Australian star Matthew Wade stepped down as skipper, with Ellis being announced as his replacement. The pacer has a plethora of experience in the tournament and will be entering his sixth season with the franchise in the tournament.  

It is worth noting that Ellis was the vice-captain of Hurricanes when Wade was the skipper. He even filled in for Wade in his absence, and he will look to lead from the front in the capacity of a full-time skipper. The 29-year-old re-signed his contract with Hurricanes, extending it to until 2026, and his responsibility comes after loyal service to the franchise, as since his debut with Hurricanes, Ellis has played 51 BBL matches, and has taken 61 wickets to his name, being one of the highest wicket takers in the side. 

It is a huge honour: Nathan Ellis

Talking of taking up the role of the skipper full-time, Ellis termed it an an honour and expressed how exciting the task of bringing silverware for his side can prove to be. 

“It is a huge honour. Captaining was not something I set out to achieve, or a goal that I set for myself, but to lead the franchise is nothing short of an honour,” Ellis was quoted as saying by Hobart Hurricanes. 

“The Hurricanes are a franchise that I hold very dear to my heart and have done a lot for me. So to have the opportunity to lead and hopefully bring some silverware home to Tasmania is really exciting,” he added.

Hurricanes Head Coach Jeff Vaughan also expressed his views on the crucial appointment ahead of the season.

“We are extremely pleased to announce Nathan Ellis as our captain for the BBL|13 season. He has already led the team in patches last year, and we have the utmost confidence in Nathan as a cricketer and a leader. He embodies everything the Hurricanes stand for; a great work ethic, resilience and a fantastic attitude towards the game and his teammates," he said.

The Hurricanes will start their campaign on December 11 against Sydney Sixers at home in Launceston.