Earning a purple guernsey after eye-catching domestic performances before Christmas, the 25-year-old has become one of the Hurricanes' frontline pacemen following injuries to Riley Meredith and James Faulkner.

A stellar 3-15 against the Melbourne Renegades and a tight 0-22 against Brisbane Heat have shown Ellis to be more than comfortable in the T20 cauldron and the New South Welshman is loving every minute of it.

"It's sort of been a whirlwind really, having never played at this level and being thrust into it," Ellis said.

"It's never great when you lose anyone to injury, but obviously having two of our main quicks go down in Riley and James we didn't really have the choice but to stand up and shoulder a bit of responsibility.

"In that regard I think it's been good because you're just thrown in the deep end and you've got to try and sink or swim. I've really enjoyed it so far, it's been great."

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

One of just five Hurricanes to have played every game this campaign, Ellis will make a second appearance in Launceston on Sunday when his side meets Adelaide Strikers in a do-or-die round 11 fixture.

With four rounds to go the Canes sit two games and net run rate out of the top five, but Ellis remains upbeat.

"We played pretty well up here against the Stars in the shortened game we had with them, so I think we can take a little bit of confidence out of that," he said.

"It was a great crowd - it was the great turnout you usually get in Launny. You get a good turnout and a pretty parochial crowd too, they were right behind us.

"We're playing good cricket in patches so hopefully we can put it together on Sunday."

The game starts at 2.45pm.