Hobart Hurricanes have been dealt a major blow ahead of their must-win BBL 2025-26 Knockout clash against Melbourne Stars, with captain Nathan Ellis ruled out due to injury. The defending champions will miss their skipper after he picked up the issue during the previous match against the Brisbane Heat.
Hobart Hurricanes will host the Stars in a do-or-die clash at Ninja Stadium on Wednesday, January 21. They failed to finish in the top two following their defeat to the Brisbane Heat last week. Beau Webster and Ben McDermott scored fifties, while Riley Meredith took three wickets and Rishad Hossain claimed two.
Hobart Hurricanes Skipper Nathan Ellis Ruled Out of BBL Knockout Clash
Hobart Hurricanes have made two changes to their squad for the knockout match. Nathan Ellis will miss the game after picking up an injury in the previous outing, with his availability for the remainder of the finals to be assessed in the coming days.
The Hurricanes will also be without Rehan Ahmed, who has joined England’s World Cup squad after playing the group stage matches, and Jake Weatherald, who is unavailable for the rest of the BBL Finals.
Batter Charlie Wakim has been added to the squad following strong form in the Wilson Homes Cricket 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 side in Ellis’ absence.
Hobart Hurricanes Squad for the Knockout Against the Melbourne Stars:
Jackson Bird, Nikhil Chaudhary, Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott (C), Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Will Prestwidge, Billy Stanlake, Matt Wade, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Mac Wright
Nathan Ellis has been in decent form in the tournament. Ellis has taken 14 wickets in nine games at an average of 21.28 and an economy rate of 9.03. He is the leading wicket-taker for his team this season. Rishad Hossain has picked up 13 wickets in nine innings at an average of 19.69 and an economy rate of 7.52.
Hurricanes Hold Home Advantage Ahead of High-Stakes Knockout
Hobart Hurricanes enter the game with a strong home record, winning three of their five matches at the venue this season. Although they lost their final league fixture, they remain a balanced side, with key contributions from Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben McDermott, and Riley Meredith.
Melbourne Stars revived their campaign after a difficult middle phase to secure a playoff spot. Sam Harper has provided solid starts, while experienced players Marcus Stoinis and Haris Rauf have stepped up in pressure situations.
While the Stars have enjoyed more success against Hobart in past meetings, current form and home conditions slightly favour 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 pressure better on the night.
