Nathan Ellis Aims for 2027 ODI World Cup Spot Amid Upcoming Series

Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis is gearing up for a crucial ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa as he aims for a spot in the 2027 World Cup squad. With six ODIs ahead, Ellis emphasizes the importance of gathering insights and forming a strong team combination. After missing the last World Cup due to injury, he is eager for redemption against Zimbabwe, where Australia faced a surprising defeat earlier this year. This series serves as a vital opportunity for Ellis and the team to prepare for the prestigious tournament co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 14, 2026, 23:57 IST

Ellis Sets Sights on World Cup Selection

Harare [Zimbabwe], September 14: Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis is fully committed to securing a place in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With six ODIs on the horizon, he emphasizes the importance of gathering insights and forming a solid team combination ahead of the prestigious tournament, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia next year.

Currently in Harare, Ellis is gearing up for a three-match series against Zimbabwe starting Tuesday. He will also face South Africa in three ODIs later this month, as Australia prepares to defend their title for the upcoming 50-over World Cup.

Having played intermittently for Australia in ODIs, Ellis has claimed 28 wickets in 22 matches, boasting an average of 34.53 and best figures of 4/33. His impact has been more pronounced in T20Is, where he has taken 58 wickets in 39 games at an impressive average of 18.06, with a best performance of 4/12.

Ellis recognizes the significance of the upcoming matches, particularly the ODIs against South Africa, as they adapt to the conditions expected at the World Cup next year.

"As a team, we are focused on gathering information and learning from these games," Ellis stated, as reported by ICC. "We need to understand what strategies work and what don’t. This series provides us with a valuable opportunity to prepare for the World Cup. We have six matches to maximize our learning and start piecing everything together for the major tournament next year," he added.

After missing out on Australia’s sixth World Cup title in 2023 due to injury, Ellis has become a key player in the team’s white-ball format, known for his pace variations and effectiveness both at the start and end of innings.

Earlier this year, Ellis faced Zimbabwe during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where Australia suffered a surprising 23-run defeat in Colombo. He is eager for a chance at redemption in the upcoming series against the African nation.

"We’ve played against Zimbabwe a few times now, and I think we’ve developed a bit of a rivalry," Ellis remarked. "They’ve had the upper hand recently in the T20 World Cup, so I’m looking forward to not only seeking some revenge but also laying the groundwork for the one-day World Cup in the coming year," he concluded.

Australia's ODI squad includes: Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (only for South Africa), 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 (only for South Africa), Adam Zampa.

Series schedule against Zimbabwe:

First ODI: September 15, Harare

Second ODI: September 18, Harare

Third ODI: September 20, Harare

Series schedule against South Africa:

First ODI: September 24, Durban

Second ODI: September 27, Johannesburg

Third ODI: September 30, Potchefstroom.