Australian seamer Nathan Ellis showed his determination during the opening ODI against South Africa in Durban .Despite suffering a bloody knee after an early fielding effort, Ellis continued to bowl and made an immediate impact. He first removed Quinton de Kock before producing a brilliant return catch to dismiss David Miller.
Nathan Ellis Battles Bloody Knee Against South Africa
The incident happened before Ellis had even bowled a delivery. While trying to stop the ball during the early overs, the Australian pacer put in a diving effort and hurt his knee.
The injury left his knee bleeding, but Ellis remained on the field.
Soon after, the right-arm pacer was introduced into the attack in the eighth over and made an immediate impact.
With his very first delivery, Ellis found the outside edge of dangerous South African opener Quinton de Kock. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis completed the catch as de Kock departed for 14.
It was an excellent start to Ellis’ spell and gave Australia another important breakthrough.
𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗞𝗡𝗘𝗘, 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗢𝗪𝗟𝗦 𝗢𝗡! 🩸💪
Nathan Ellis keeps bowling with an injured knee in Durban. Pure grit and determination from the Australian pacer! 🇦🇺🔥
📸: FanCode#NathanEllis #SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/4c1jfX6Ghd
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) September 24, 2026
Nathan Ellis Stunning Catch Sends David Miller Back
Ellis was not done yet.
David Miller was looking to build South Africa’s innings, but Ellis once again found a way to break through.
The Australian seamer used his change of pace and forced Miller into playing the ball back towards him. Ellis had barely completed his follow-through when he reacted quickly and grabbed a superb return catch.
Considering the condition of his knee, the effort was even more impressive.
Miller had to walk back after scoring 10, while Ellis celebrated another important wicket for Australia.
The dismissal highlighted Ellis’ ability to make an impact not only with his variations but also with his athleticism on the field.
𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗦, 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗬! 🇦🇺🔥
An injured knee can’t stop him!
Nathan Ellis pulls off a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Miller! Incredible reflexes, incredible grit! 🩸💪#AUSvsSA
pic.twitter.com/q8hwB9qSwE— CricInformer (@CricInformer) September 24, 2026
Ellis Continues His Good Form From Zimbabwe Series
Ellis came into the South Africa series after playing an important role in Australia’s 3-0 ODI series win over Zimbabwe in Harare.
In the third ODI, Australia found themselves in serious trouble while chasing 272. Ellis then played a crucial lower-order innings, remaining unbeaten on 36 from 44 balls.
Along with No.11 Spencer Johnson, he added 27 runs for the final wicket and helped Australia secure a dramatic one-wicket victory with just one ball remaining.
Ellis had also impressed with the ball during the Zimbabwe series, making it a strong tour for the Australian seamer.
His performance in Durban showed that the confidence had carried into the South Africa series.
Despite the bloody knee, Ellis continued to compete and delivered when Australia needed him. The Nathan Ellis stunning catch to remove Miller was another example of the effort and commitment he brings to the Australian side.
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