New Delhi: For years, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins have formed the core of Australia’s pace attack across all three formats, collectively known as the Big Three. However, following Starc’s recent retirement, this trio has been disrupted.
Starc concluded his T20I career as Australia’s leading wicket-taker among pace bowlers, claiming 79 wickets in 65 innings. He ranks second overall behind Adam Zampa, who has taken 131 wickets.
Before the World Test Championship final, both Starc and Hazlewood had a perfect record in major trophy finals. Excluding the WTC final, Starc has won every significant title—these victories include the Champions League T20, Indian Premier League, ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and WTC 2023.
As Australia contemplates potential replacements for Starc in the T20 format, injury concerns have arisen regarding Spencer Johnson, one of the leading candidates. Johnson, known for delivering left-arm pace at speeds reaching 145 km/h, is currently sidelined due to a diagnosis of bone stress in his back. He is not expected to return to competitive cricket until the Big Bash League in December, a setback that complicates Australia’s preparation and team dynamics.
In light of Johnson’s absence, Nathan Ellis has emerged as a promising alternative for the national side. To date, Ellis has participated in 27 T20Is, taking 41 wickets with an impressive average of 18.8 and an economy rate of 7.84, which remains commendable given the aggressive batting styles prevalent among top teams like India and England.
Australia’s hopes now rest on Ellis, alongside Hazlewood and other pace bowlers, including Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett. As the team looks to strengthen its pace attack in the post-Starc era, they prepare for upcoming challenges, including a series against India.
