Ahead of what is looking like the biggest week in the Hurricanes' history, the club can announce that Captain Nathan Ellis and Batter Ben McDermott have extended their contracts with the Purple Army through to BBL|17.
The Hurricanes are excited to have two of the top talents in the entire league under contract for the next three seasons as they look to win their first title across the W/BBL since its inception.
After defeating the Brisbane Heat away from home on Thursday night, the Hurricanes sewed up a home final for the first time since BBL|09 and are excited to potentially win it in front of the ‘Canes fans at Ninja Stadium.
Ellis has been one of the leading bowlers across the Big Bash over the past few seasons and has established himself as a key component of the Australian Men’s white ball set-up across T20s and One Day Internationals, he is excited to be returning.
“I feel immense pride in representing Tasmania, this state and this club have changed my life, and I’m really excited at the prospect of repaying the faith over the next few years.
"It’s been a great season thus far, and I’m excited to see where this group can go in the coming seasons,” said Ellis.
Since taking over the team at the start of last season, Ellis has fostered a culture within the Hurricanes group where role clarity and expectations are clear for whoever plays in the starting XI.
His bowling prowess speaks for itself.
Although his wicket-taking output has not been as high as in previous seasons, Ellis continues to have a low economy rate despite bowling the most difficult overs during the Powerplay and the Surge.
The General Manager of High Performance at Cricket Tasmania discussed her pride in seeing the skipper re-sign.
"We are proud to have Nathan around our club until BBL|17, he exemplifies what it means to play for the Hurricanes and is always seen doing the 'one percenters' to help make his teammates better.
"Outside of his leadership, his pace bowling skillset is up there as the best in world cricket, and this is evident with his selection in the Australian team over the past few seasons.
"Nelly has been the major driver in creating the culture we want to exist within our team, and I am so pleased he will continue to play in Hobart," stated Beams.
Ben McDermott has repeatedly shown Hurricanes fans the talent he possesses as a batter, and he is looking forward to continuing his career in Hobart.
“It was a no-brainer for me to extend my time with the Hurricanes, especially after the cricket that we have played this year and the direction we are headed.
“I am so excited to be a part of this group for another three BBL campaigns, and I feel as though we are really building something special in this group,” said McDermott.
As one of the only players who has scored three centuries in the BBL (all for the Hurricanes), McDermott always could take the game away from the opposition.
An incredibly good athlete in the field, McDermott can field in any position from wicketkeeper, to inside of the ring, and patrolling the boundary, he will consistently take crucial catches in important moments.
Despite missing the last few games with injury, ‘Reg’ has provided stability to a Hurricanes middle order which has freed Mitch Owen and Tim David to take the game on and play their natural game.
His leadership has also been impressive, as the stand-in skipper when Nathan Ellis missed a game earlier in the season, and providing sound advice when required as part of the Hurricanes leadership group.
Beams has been impressed with McDermott’s leadership, and his skill with the bat.
"Ben is one of the most destructive batters in all of world cricket, and he has single-handedly won us matches off his own bat, this season and in previous BBL's.
“He is an important member of our leadership group who continues to lead our batting group on and off the field.
"To have both Ben and Nathan on our list until BBL|17, sets us up for future seasons and should have Hurricanes fans super excited for what's to come,” said Beams.
The Hurricanes take on the Melbourne Stars in their final fixture of the BBL|14 regular season and will be looking to continue their winning streak as they move into a BBL Finals campaign on Tuesday next week.