T20 Champions Re-Sign Australian Duo

Wicket keeper-batter Ben McDermott and fast bowler Nathan Ellis both return for Hampshire Hawks' 2023 Vitality Blast title defence

Australian duo Ben McDermott and Nathan Ellis have both re-joined Hampshire Hawks for this summer’s Vitality Blast, with the side aiming to retain the T20 title.

Both McDermott and Ellis, who represent Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), played major roles in the Hawks’ 2022 T20 triumph.

The pair, who have both represented Australia at ODI and IT20 level, will join up with the team in May in the lead up to the Hawks’ season opener against Somerset at Taunton on Wednesday 24th May.

Both Ben and Nathan were fantastic for us last year and it’s a great boost to the squad to have them back. They made a big impact at the Club and were exceptional on the field. The clarity that comes with continuity will hopefully help in our pursuit of another Finals Day in 2023.

Giles White, Hampshire Director of Cricket

Opening the batting alongside Club captain James Vince in 2022, McDermott scored 494 runs, at an average of 29.05, with a best of 83 coming in an explosive innings against Middlesex at Radlett. He was also wicket-keeper for all 17 of the Hawks’ fixtures.

The 28-year-old was pivotal in the final against Lancashire Lightning at Edgbaston, scoring 62 from 36 balls and providing moments of quality with the gloves, which saw him earn the player of the match award.

McDermott has since played for the Hurricanes in the 2022/23 BBL and played in three matches for Durban’s Super Giants in the inaugural SA20.

I’m over the moon to have re-signed with the Hawks and can’t wait to play in front of The Ageas Bowl crowd again. I’m looking forward to being back around a great group of guys and hopefully do some more good stuff with this team.

Ben McDermott

Ellis was a key part of Hampshire’s potent bowling attack, taking a total of 15 wickets from 13 games. The Australian led the team for economy rate boating an impressive 6.87, while his best of 3-4 came during their dismantling of Birmingham Bears in the quarter-final.

Having taken three vital wickets against Somerset in the semi-final, Ellis was at the centre of the drama in the final. He bowled Richard Gleeson with what would have been the final ball to secure the Vitality Blast trophy – only for a no ball to be called. However, Ellis held his nerve and kept Lancashire to one run off the final ball to secure a third T20 title for Hampshire.

Alongside McDermott, he represented the Hurricanes in the BBL – taking a hat-trick during the tournament – and has been retained by Punjab Kings for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

After the success of last year it was a no brainer to re-sign with the Hawks for this summer. I’m really excited to be back on board and I can’t wait to be back around a great bunch of lads as we push for more silverware.

Nathan Ellis

Vitality Blast Passports are available at the Super Early Bird rate, just £99, which means fans can still secure their seat to watch the reigning champions in all seven home matches at The Ageas Bowl this summer, including two double-headers with 2022 Charlotte Edwards Cup winners Southern Vipers and the famous ‘el clasicoast’ derby against Sussex Sharks, at the best price.

Secure a Vitality Blast Passport by following the link below.

Buy Vitality Blast Passport

Super Early Bird discounted Vitality Blast tickets and Passports are currently available to purchase until Friday 31st March, after which, tickets and Passports will become available at the Early Bird rate.

Fans can secure their place at the best possible price, courtesy of the Super Early Bird discount, by following the link below.

Buy Vitality Blast Tickets

Further discounts on tickets are available to those planning to attend Vitality Blast at The Ageas Bowl in a group of six or more, with tiered discounts available depending on the size of group and individual rewards available to group bookers.

Follow the link below to find out more about group tickets for this summer’s T20s.

Buy Group Tickets

Vitality Blast Plus tickets are returning for this summer’s Hampshire Hawks T20s, providing an upgraded experience to ticket buyers. Ticket Plus customers can skip the queue to access the ground with priority gate entry on the matchday, enjoy the best view in cricket from premium suite seating and relax in a private suite with a bar.

Ticket Plus has also been popular with fans so far with these premium tickets already becoming limited for a number of Hampshire Hawks’ T20 matchdays. Click here to find out more about the premium Ticket Plus option to see Hampshire Hawks' Vitality Blast title defence at The Ageas Bowl this summer.

The Ageas Bowl will host hospitality packages for all seven home matches, with inclusive high-quality food and complimentary drinks across our Shared Suites and Private Boxes.

For more information or to purchase a hospitality package follow the link below.

Vitality Blast Hospitality

To get all the T20 and Hampshire Hawks-related news and information (such as ticket offers, kit launches and more) straight to your inbox, register your interest in Vitality Blast via the link below.

Register Your Interest
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