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Delight as 'new' pace spearhead hits straps

With no Mitch Starc or Pat Cummins to blast batsmen away, Australia's bowlers are pinning much on Nathan Coulter-Nile

In the absence of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile has been crowned Australia's spearhead by his teammates for the World T20 in India.

Coulter-Nile, who won a race against time to be fit for the tournament, has exploded in his international return, taking five wickets in his two T20 matches against the Proteas earlier this month, including champion batsman AB de Villiers for a golden duck.

WATCH: Coulter-Nile puts brakes on South Africans

"He's the real leader in this format at the moment," said paceman Josh Hazlewood.

"He bowled outstanding in his two games in South Africa and I think he really enjoys it when he's on the field having played not much lately in any format.

"He's really enjoying his time on the field and at training and it's good to have that fresh bowler around the group and lifting us to try to compete with him.

"He's flying at the moment and bowling good pace. He'll have a big say in this tournament."

With both Starc (ankle) and Cummins (back) out injured, Coulter-Nile is the fastest bowler among Australia's touring party.

WATCH: Coulter-Nile's three-wicket haul in Durban

The Perth Scorchers tearaway was clocked nudging 150kph in South Africa, matching the lightning speeds of his injured comrades.

Allrounder Mitchell Marsh, who can hit the high-140kph region when in full rhythm, says Coulter-Nile will be a valuable asset for Australia if he stays on the park, not only in this tournament but in years to come.

"I think he’s a great bowler, he’s extremely skilful," Marsh said.

"He bowls good pace and if Australia can have him on the park over the next four or five years he’s going to play a lot of cricket for Australia, not only in the short format, but in the longer format as well.

"He’s our key bowler at this tournament and hopefully he can stay injury free and I’m sure he’s going to perform extremely well."