Starc is a big part of my Australian journey: Nathan Ellis

Nathan Ellis is enjoying his time in India and learning from the senior speedster Mitchell Starc in the three-match series against India. Ahead of the third ODI in Chennai, Ellis shared insights on the influence of Starc in his short international career and the calming impact of the left-arm seamer in the squad. 

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the decider, Ellis said, "Starcy has been huge for me. For me, he is someone I looked up to him a lot of time. He presented me with my first Australia cap and is a big part of my Australia journey."

"Starc is a calming influence. He is also someone who has been there and done almost everything the game has to offer, whether it is the ups or down. Being able to rub shoulders with Starcy and sort of bounce ideas off and de-brief games. It is something that I have cherished and is invaluable," Ellis further added. 

The wicket in Chennai is known to be conducive for spinners, but Ellis believes he has the skill set to succeed on the sluggish surface. "I am not necessarily a bouncy bowler as it is. As I said before, it is a matter of assessing the wicket on the day and adapting my sets of skills to the wicket. Whether it is adjusting my line, being a bit straighter," he said. 

"If it is not as bouncy, slower balls if needed and changing my lengths. Tomorrow is about not going with any preconceived ideas. I am not sure about the team selection or what the team will look like. Obviously, it is going to spin here. For me, the slower balls might come into play. I think it will be a matter of assessing the wicket if we are bowling first," he added. 

The 28-year-old also insisted on the impact Adam Zampa will have in this crucial clash and believes the leg spinner will get more opportunity in this clash compared to the last two games. 

"Adam Zampa has been a huge part of the Australia set-up for a long time. He is one of the best spinners in the world. This series has so far been dominated by fast bowlers, a lot of wickets."

"He definitely has not had the opportunity that he probably would have imagined having at this stage of the series. He will do what he does when he gets the chance."

Ellis was named as the replacement for Jhye Richardson, and despite being a later entrant in the team, he looks excited to be part of the team ahead of the ODI World Cup later in India. 

"For me, I was not part of this squad initially. I was a late call-up, and I am just stoked to be here. I imagine that the guys who were named in the initial squad are taking it as a dress rehearsal," he concluded. 

The two sides lock horns in the final ODI on Wednesday, March 22, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.