Nathan Ellis Profile, Career & Stats

The 'King of Yorkers' in the Australian domestic circuit, Nathan Ellis, is a professional cricketer for Tasmania who is a right-arm pacer known for his death bowling. Started playing cricket at the young age of 8, he grew up watching pacers like Brett Lee and Andy Bichel, which gradually developed his love for fast bowling.

Despite dominating NSW premier cricket, scalping 160 wickets in four years, he failed to make it into the age-group selections and decided to relocate to Hobart in search of better opportunities. The move finally paid off, and the Greenacre-born speedster made his List A debut for Tasmania in September 2019 against Victoria.

Ellis began the summer of 2020 without a professional contract in any format and was considering moving back to his hometown of Sydney before Griffith invited him to join the pre-season for Tasmania. That proved to be a massive boost for the 26-year-old paceman when his pre-season exploits paved the way for the Marsh One-day Cup debut. In 2020, Ellis received his first Big Bash League (BBL) contract.

A key contributor for the Hurricanes squad in the last two seasons, Ellis’s dream came true when he got his maiden call-up to the Australian squad as a reserve player for the limited-overs series against the 'Men in Maroon'. 

A fighter on and off the field, his story is no less than a rollercoaster. From being a labourer to making it into the topmost level of cricket, Ellis’s gritty attitude and determination will be crucial for his success at the international stage.

On August 6, 2021, Ellis made a sensational entry into international cricket, becoming the first male cricketer to claim a hat-trick on T20I debut during Australia’s third T20I against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. 

Drafted into the playing XI as an injury replacement, Ellis had a challenging start, conceding 29 runs in his first three overs. However, entrusted with the final over, he delivered a remarkable hat-trick, dismissing Mahmudullah (52), Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan.

Punjab Kings saw immense potential in Ellis as a replacement player for the UAE leg of the IPL 2021. He participated in three matches and could secure just a single wicket, yielding an average of 98.00 and an economy rate of 8.16. 

Ellis’ journey in international cricket took another significant step in March 2022, when he donned the Australian colors in ODIs for the first time against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Stepping into the 50-over format, the right-arm quick showcased his ability to adapt to different conditions. Bowling with precision, he finished with figures of 1/36 in his allotted eight overs, claiming the wicket of the dangerous Fakhar Zaman. 

Ellis continued to solidify his reputation as a death-bowling specialist during the 2022 BBL season with the Hobart Hurricanes. Leading the attack with his clever variations and pinpoint yorkers, Ellis was instrumental in the Hurricanes' bowling unit. Across the season, he claimed 18 wickets in 12 matches at an impressive economy rate of 8.13, often delivering under pressure in the crucial final overs. 

Stepping into a leadership role, Ellis was entrusted with the captaincy of the Hobart Hurricanes for the 2023 BBL season, a testament to his tactical acumen and impact as a senior figure in the squad. Despite the added responsibility, Ellis remained a force with the ball, finishing the season with 16 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 7.95. 

Expanding his presence on the global T20 stage, Ellis signed with the Seattle Orcas for the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) season, bringing his death-bowling expertise to the USA’s premier franchise competition. Slotting into a strong bowling unit, Ellis made an immediate impact, finishing the tournament with 9 wickets in 6 matches at an economy of 7.45, proving his adaptability to new conditions.

Ellis's ability to contain runs in high-pressure moments made him a vital asset for the Orcas, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable T20 specialist in leagues worldwide.

The speedster etched his name in Hobart Hurricanes' history by leading the franchise to their maiden Big Bash League title in the 2024 season. As captain, Ellis played a pivotal role both with the ball and as a leader, guiding his side through high-pressure situations. In the final, he delivered a clutch performance, registering figures of 2/24 in 4 overs, including the prized wicket of a well-set batter in the death overs. Throughout the tournament, Ellis remained the backbone of the Hurricanes' bowling attack, finishing the season with 19 wickets at an economy of 7.45, proving his ability to thrive under pressure.

Ellis continued to solidify his reputation as a dependable white-ball bowler during Australia’s ODI clash against India in the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Stepping up in a high-intensity encounter, Ellis returned figures of 2/49 in 10 overs, delivering crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, but in a losing cause. 

Ellis embarked on a new chapter in his IPL career after being acquired by Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 season.

(As of April 2025)