Quick has new tricks

IMPORT tweaker Shadab Khan will bring some magic, but Hurricanes strike weapon Nathan Ellis has forecast he will have more tricks up his sleeve this season.

Ellis, who was this week named vice-captain alongside Ben McDermott under skipper Matthew Wade, has forged a reputation as a death bowling weapon with his yorkers and slower balls.

The 28-year-old has played two seasons of IPL and knows he needs to continue to enhance his options as Hobart begins its season against Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Friday.

“I’ve got a couple (of new variations) I’m not ready to divulge,” he said.

“It’s an ever evolving game and I’m very much aware now I’m not the new kid on the block any more.

“There’s a lot of video players can watch to be ready, so I’m trying to be proactive and its

very important to keep learning new tricks.”

Ellis was considered unlucky by many to be overlooked for the T20 World Cup after taking 15 wickets at an average of 8.53 and an economy rate of 6.40 in his five appearances for Australia.

Although a return to the green and gold provides motivation, he insisted he didn’t feel miffed by missing out to the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

“The guys who do get picked, the ‘big three’ as they’re called, I still picture them as out of this world and players I really look up to,” he said.

“To be spoken about alongside them is really cool. But I’m really aware you’re owed no favours to the Australia jersey and the fact I’ve played a handful of games I’m really stoked with.

“If more opportunity comes that’d be amazing. Everyone wants to play for Australia, that’s what we do this for and dreamt of growing up.

“Obviously you want to play, but if it doesn’t (happen) I’ll do my best for the purple.”

Ellis doesn’t feel his role will change dramatically as vicecaptain, aside from the fact he’s the only bowler of the leadership trio.

“It’s a massive (honour). It’s my first time in a leadership role and in a way I still feel new to the game myself,” he said.

“When you’ve got someone like Matthew Wade in our team, mine and Ben’s roles won’t be enormous, just another voice if he needs it,” he said.

“I’ll try and bring those experiences I’ve had on and off the field to the new guys.”

Ellis is excited about the variation Pakistan international leg spinner Khan can bring to the bowling line-up, as well as his all-round game.

“Any T20 side who wants to compete needs to have a wicket-taking spinner,” Ellis said. “Shadab is exactly that, but he’s also one of the best fielders in the world and smacks the ball in the top or middle order.”