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Hurricanes vs Thunder: Final Highlights | 14:38
Emotional Hobart skipper Nathan Ellis has fought back tears as he described just how much the Hurricanes’ maiden Big Bash League title meant to him and Tasmanian cricket.
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Monday night’s seven-wicket win, off the back of a record-equalling century to opener Mitchell Owen in the final, ensured the Melbourne Stars are now the only BBL team to never be crowned champions.
Speaking to Fox Cricket after his team’s title drought was broken, Ellis was “speechless” before opening up on just how important the victory was.
“It’s changed my life,” he said of Tasmanian cricket.
“I came down here (to Tasmania) as a budding grade cricketer sort of not knowing what way was up and never living out of home.
“Eight years later, I’ve played for my country, won a BBL title … I’m really honoured I get to bring this title to the state of Tasmania for the first time.
“This one’s for all of the cricket fans in Tasmania,” he told the sold-out Bellerive Oval crowd.
“Tasmanian cricket has changed my life – I feel really honoured to be a part of your first championship down here so this one is for you guys – all the past players and everyone who’s been involved in the Hurricanes.”
It is only fitting it was Ellis who got the Hurricanes “off the canvas” in the decider when Sydney Thunder duo David Warner (48 off 32) and Jason Sangha (67 off 42) were flying with their biggest opening partnership of the season.
Ellis snared the all-important wicket of Warner, before bowling Matt Gilkes two balls later.
When asked about his crucial over, a humble Ellis downplayed his role in the victory.
“It’s my job – it’s what I’m here to do,” he said.
“It felt like the right moment for me to come on … felt like they were getting away there.
“As a captain, really lucky to have the squad we have. As a cricket fan … I’m in awe of our squad.”
The “proud” captain would later get that wicket of Sangha to finish with 3-23 off his four overs before the Mitchell Owen show rolled in and victory was snared.
“We played some bloody brilliant cricket … we deserved to be here tonight,” he said.
“It feels pretty surreal (the title win).
“Speechless is probably the best word for it – it’s been a long time coming.
“What an occasion. What a game. I feel so proud.
“I feel quite emotional right now – we’ve got a hell of a group. We worked really hard … we deserve to be winners.”
Not only did Ellis lead Hobart to their first BBL title, but he became the first bowling captain to win a BBL crown with Monday night’s victory.
The seven-wicket win ensured Hobart become just the second team in the past seven BBL deciders to claim victory batting second.
