Hobart Hurricanes have suffered a major blow ahead of their win in the BBL 2025-26 knockout clash against Melbourne Stars, with captain Nathan Ellis ruled out due to injury. The defending champions will miss their captain after the issue was raised during the last match against Brisbane Heat.
The Hobart Hurricanes will host the Stars in a do-or-die clash at Ninja Stadium on Wednesday, January 21. They failed to make the top two after their defeat to Brisbane Heat last week. Beau Webster and Ben McDermott scored fifties, while Riley Meredith took three wickets and Rishad Hussain took two wickets.
Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis out of BBL knockout tie
Hobart Hurricanes have made two changes in their team for the knockout match. Nathan Ellis will miss the game due to an injury sustained in the previous encounter, his availability for the remainder of the final will be assessed in the coming days.
The Hurricanes will also be without Rehan Ahmed, who has been included in England’s World Cup squad after playing group stage matches, and Jake Weatherald, who is unavailable for the remainder of the BBL finals.
Wilson Holmes Cricket has included batsman Charlie Wakim in the squad after strong form in the Tasmania Premier League. Experienced fast bowler Jackson Bird has also been included and could make his Hobart Hurricanes debut if selected. Ben McDermott will lead the team in Ellis’ absence.
Hobart Hurricanes squad for the knockouts against Melbourne Stars:
Jackson Bird, Nikhil Chaudhary, Rishad Hussain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott (c), Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Will Prestwitz, Billy Stanlake, Matt Wade, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Mac Wright
Nathan Ellis has been in good form in the tournament. Ellis has taken 14 wickets in nine matches at an average of 21.28 and an economy rate of 9.03. He is the highest wicket taker for his team this season. Rishad Hussain has taken 13 wickets in nine innings at an average of 19.69 and economy rate of 7.52.
Hurricanes retain home lead ahead of high-stakes knockout
The Hobart Hurricanes enter the game with a strong home record, having won three of their five matches this season. Although they lost their last league match, they remain a balanced team with vital contributions from Nikhil Choudhary, Ben McDermott and Riley Meredith.
The Melbourne Stars revived their campaign to secure a playoff spot after a difficult middle stage. Sam Harper has given a solid start, while experienced players Marcus Stoinis and Haris Rauf have stepped up in pressure situations.
While the Stars have had more success against Hobart in previous encounters, current form and home conditions are a bit favorable for the Hurricanes. With batting-friendly conditions and pace expected to play a key role, the knockout is likely to be decided by which team handles the pressure better on the night.
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