Nathan Ellis and Marco Jansen were involved in a heated exchange during the first ODI between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead in Durban.
The incident came late in South Africa’s innings after Matthew Breetzke took an extra run when an Australian throw deflected off his body. Ellis was clearly unhappy with the decision and exchanged words with Breetzke before Jansen also became involved.
The on-field umpire eventually stepped in as the tension between the players increased.
Nathan Ellis and Marco Jansen Involved in Heated Exchange
South Africa had earlier slipped to 168 for 5 before Breetzke and Jansen led an impressive recovery.
The pair put together a 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket, changing the momentum of the innings and putting Australia’s bowlers under pressure.
However, things became heated late in the innings.
After an Australian throw missed the stumps and deflected off Breetzke’s body, the South African batters decided to take another run.
Although taking a run in such a situation is permitted under the laws, it is often avoided as a matter of cricketing convention.
Ellis was visibly unhappy and exchanged words with Breetzke. Jansen then became involved in the argument, with the umpire stepping in to calm the situation.
Marco Jansen Responds With the Bat
The confrontation only added more intensity to the contest.
Jansen responded aggressively with the bat and targeted Ellis as South Africa looked to maximise their score in the closing overs.
The left-hander struck boundaries off Ellis and continued his attacking innings, putting Australia under pressure at the death.
Jansen had already played an important role in South Africa’s recovery alongside Breetzke, who went on to score 112 from 106 deliveries.
The pair added 107 runs from just 81 balls for the sixth wicket after South Africa had found themselves in trouble at 168 for 5.
Jansen’s counter-attacking approach proved particularly effective. He eventually scored 75 from 59 deliveries, hitting seven fours and four sixes.
𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞! 🔥🏏
A heated exchange with Nathan Ellis on the fourth ball of the 47th over… then Marco Jansen responds with a FOUR and a SIX off the next two deliveries! 💥
What a statement! 🇿🇦💪
Image Credit: Fancode#SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/s5w2dSQbWD
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) September 24, 2026
Nathan Ellis Dismisses Marco Jansen for 75
Despite taking some punishment from Jansen, Ellis eventually had the final say with the ball.
On the final delivery of the 49th over, Ellis went full and straight at Jansen. The South African attempted to play across the line but missed the ball and was struck on the pads.
The umpire raised his finger for LBW, and Jansen walked back without reviewing the decision.
His 75 off 59 balls had already done considerable damage and helped South Africa recover from a difficult position.
Ellis, however, completed an eventful bowling performance with figures of 3 for 57 from his 10 overs.
He had earlier dismissed Quinton de Kock for 14 before taking a brilliant return catch to remove David Miller for 9.
South Africa eventually finished on 297 for 8 from their 50 overs, with Breetzke’s 112 and Jansen’s 75 forming the backbone of the innings.
The Nathan Ellis and Marco Jansen exchange added another layer to an already competitive opening ODI, with their battle becoming one of the most intense moments of South Africa’s innings.
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