Nathan Ellis

Picture Credit: Twitter/@CricketAus

It's been a season to remember so far for Australian pacer Nathan Ellis. Not only did he made his T20I debut against Bangladesh recently but he made the most of it by scalping a hat-trick. Moreover, he has also been named as a reserve player in the squad for the forthcoming 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. It is now being learned that an unnamed IPL team, has in fact picked him for the UAE leg of the competition from September 19. Reports suggest that Ellis was being chased by not one or two but three different franchises before a team finalised his selection.

However, it should be noted that the speedster's final IPL deal will have to be approved by Cricket Australia and only then will Ellis be eligible to play in the IPL. This would also be an opportunity for the 26-year-old to keep on delivering with the performances which might even land him a place in the main squad for the World Cup. Ellis had earlier gone unsold in the auctions.

Ellis was once rejected for being too short for a fast bowler

But this opportunity has come knocking on his door after the fourteenth edition of the IPL was postponed owing to the COVID-19 crisis in India. With all the teams facing some or the other issue of availability, Ellis is likely to be one of those who will join as a replacement.

Ellis first made a name for himself by his performances in the Big Bash League for the Hobart Hurricanes. While he was once rejected for being too short for a fast bowler, he continued with his passion and his life changed for the good when he moved to Tasmania.

“There were no promises or anything, but it was, ‘If you train well and play well, you’ll get the chance’," Ellis told cricket.com.au in 2019. "That was enough for me."

Ellis' story a great story of perseverance and commitment

Meanwhile, Australia chief selector George Bailey praised Ellis and his commitment to fast bowling.

"It’s a great story of perseverance and commitment to the cause," Bailey said.

"In terms of what you’re after from those reserves and knowing we can’t carry that many of them, you want someone who can cover as many bases as you can, particularly in T20 and the distinct roles of bowling with the newer ball and finishing off at the death."