Super-sub Ellis set for 'physically challenging' Cup conclusion

While Nathan Ellis knows his strong start to the World Cup and suitability to Caribbean pitches is unlikely to disrupt Australia's pace pecking order, the reserve quick is preparing for a vital role during the tournament's hectic closing stages.

Desperate not to be pigeonholed as just a death a bowler, Ellis conceded just 12 runs from his three overs in the Aussies' demolition of Namibia in Antigua that has secured their passage to the Super Eight stage.

The skiddy right-armer's danger on low-bouncing pitches was reinforced when he beat JJ Smit for pace and struck him on his back pad. Given Smit played back, Australia's review appeared fanciful – but three reds highlighted Ellis' point of difference.

None of their other 190cm-plus speedsters would likely have got an lbw from that length, especially given broadcast data showed the Sir Viv Richards Stadium surface had more bounce in it than the Barbados surface for Australia's first two games.

"The wickets have been a little bit up and down, so you try to use that to my advantage," said Ellis.

"Not being the six-foot-five bowler I am, that's been an attribute of mine on any wicket. The length I bowl to hit the stumps is going to be different to what Josh Hazlewood bowls or what Patty Cummins bowls."

Ellis' latest opportunity came due to a Mitchell Starc calf complaint. He suggested the left-armer would likely overcome the niggle to return to face Scotland on Saturday (10.30am Sunday AEST) in St Lucia.

Australia are already qualified for the second round and cannot improve their position.

With Josh Hazlewood insisting he wants to continue playing to continue building his match fitness after sitting out the IPL, and Pat Cummins having already missed the Oman match, Ellis is prepared to once again return to riding the bench.

"I've said it all along that playing alongside these guys is a big honour," said the 29-year-old.

"I'm here to just fit in and be in partnerships with these guys and if I'm selected I'll do my best to keep my spot in the team. In the same breath I'm here to win a World Cup with this squad.

"Whether they need me to bowl the first over or the last over, or they need me to open the batting, I'll do it – whatever it takes to be in the team.

"The big three have done a lot for Australia over the years and that's got to be respected."

Australia will have played just four games in two weeks by the time the Super Eight stage begins. From there, the scheduled becomes are far more intense.

If they make the final, Mitch Marsh's men will play five games in 10 days on five different islands.

Their final Super Eight game, now locked in against India in St Lucia after Rohit Sharma's side's win over the USA, will start around 36 hours after their previous game finishes.

"Tournament cricket like this with some late nights and some early travel days is going to be throw some challenges up physically. I've just got to be ready to go," said Ellis.

"I'm under no illusions as to the pecking order, so just got to be ready physically and mentally and be ready to go when I get the opportunity.

"It can be tricky, but I've gotten a lot better at going to bed the night before preparing to play and not then not playing – and vice versa.

"It's a crazy schedule so who knows. I might play more games than I think – if I do, I'll be ready."

Coach Andrew McDonald identified Ellis' effectiveness in the Powerplay as an area for improvement before the tournament.

Despite the absence of new-ball king Starc on Tuesday, Ellis was not thrown the ball during the first six overs with allrounder Marcus Stoinis preferred with the new ball.

Whether Australia adopt that same structure against stronger opponents, or whether they bowl Ellis at the back-end of the crucial Powerplay period like they did against Oman, will be a tactical consideration when he plays next.

"Obviously I come into this side with a bit of a death bowler reputation, but I'd like to say I could fit in in any role in this team," said Ellis.

"I never want to get myself pigeonholed in any position, you always to want to evolve. People have got to be able to do all facets."

2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

Australia's squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Australia's Group B fixtures

June 6: Beat Oman by 39 runs

June 9: Beat England by 36 runs

June 12: Beat Namibia by nine wickets

June 16: v Scotland, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 10.30am AEST

Super Eight fixtures opponents to be confirmed

21 June: v D2, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, 10.30am AEST

23 June: v C1, Arnos Vale Ground, St Vincent, 10.30am AEST

25 June: v India, Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia, 12.30am AEST

Semi-finals to follow if Australia qualify

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