After putting on a match-winning display for the Perth Scorchers, star all-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile is hopeful of repeating the dose for Australia during their one-day series against England.
Coulter-Nile snared 3-15 off four overs to lift the Scorchers to a six-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes in Tuesday night’s Big Bash League clash at the WACA Ground.
The 26-year-old took 2-2 in the penultimate over to swing the match Perth’s way, with the Hurricanes finishing at 7-147 in reply to the home side’s 7-153.
Coulter-Nile has become accustomed to running drinks this summer after being placed on standby for the past three Tests of the Ashes series.
But the talented West Australian is hopeful of playing a more meaningful role when the five-match ODI series gets underway at the MCG on Sunday.
“Hopefully I can get a game and stop running drinks for a little bit and enjoy it,” Coulter-Nile said with a smile.
“I mean sitting on the sidelines is good when you’re part of the Australian team.
“But it’s even better being out there. I love playing.
“It’s probably my last chance before a few of the young bowers come back from injury. So hopefully I get a go.”
Coulter-Nile said although he missed out on a dream Ashes call-up, his time with the Test team was an invaluable learning experience.
“Watching the boys bowl was something special,” said Coulter-Nile, who has played two ODIs and three T20Is for Australia.
“I didn’t realise how good Ryan Harris was until I gloved a few balls to him and watched him in the nets.
“Mitchell Johnson’s a lot quicker than he looks from the sidelines, I can promise you.
“Talking to (bowling coach) Billy McDermott really helped. But just watching was the main learning tool I used.”
The Scorchers’ third win of the season moved them into second spot on the BBL table ahead of Friday night’s showdown with the third-placed Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
Perth need to find replacements for both Coulter-Nile and opener Shaun Marsh, who has also been called up to the ODI squad.
Hobart have posted just one win from four games, and need to beat the winless Thunder on Saturday in order to keep their finals hopes alive.
