Nathan Ellis targets 2027 World Cup spot in ODI series against Zimbabwe

Australian pacer Nathan Ellis is focused on securing a place in the ODI squad for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, stating the team intends to maximise the information gathered from six upcoming ODIs to develop a strong combination for the tournament. The 2027 World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Ellis is currently in Harare preparing for a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe starting on September 15. Following that, Australia will face South Africa in a three-ODI series later in the month as part of their build-up to defend their 50-over World Cup title.

The right-arm fast bowler has played 22 ODIs for Australia, taking 28 wickets at an average of 34.53, with his best figures being 4 for 33. He has been more prominent in Australia’s T20 International side, claiming 58 wickets in 39 matches at an average of 18.06, with best bowling figures of 4 for 12.

Ellis highlighted the significance of the forthcoming fixtures, including the South Africa series, in helping the team acclimatise to conditions for next year’s World Cup. He said, “As a team it is gathering information, getting what we can out of it. What works, what does not work. It is a great platform and gives us a big runway into the World Cup next year. It is a great opportunity for us here. We’ve got six games to get what we can out of it, gather as much information and start putting that all together for the big tournament next year.”

Ellis missed out on Australia’s sixth 50-over World Cup title in 2023 due to injury but has since been a regular in the white-ball team, valued for his ability to vary pace and deliver both with the new ball and at the death.

He also reflected on Australia’s recent encounters with Zimbabwe, referencing a T20 World Cup defeat earlier this year in Colombo. “We have played them (Zimbabwe) a little bit now and I guess you could say we have built up a little bit of a rivalry,” Ellis stated. “They have had the wood over us more recently in the T20 World Cup so I am excited to not only try and get a little bit of redemption but also start building towards the one day World Cup in a year or so time.”

The Australian ODI squad comprises Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa series only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa series only), and Adam Zampa.

The Zimbabwe series schedule is as follows: First ODI on September 15, Second ODI on September 18, and Third ODI on September 20, all in Harare. The South Africa series will be held as follows: First ODI on September 24 in Durban, Second ODI on September 27 in Johannesburg, and Third ODI on September 30 in Potchefstroom.