Demolition job gives new Tiger Nathan Ellis fresh belief

He had to bide his time for his Tigers debut, but Nathan Ellis has arrived with a bang, helping dismantle a star-studded NSW side.

IT has been a long apprenticeship for Nathan Ellis to play state cricket, but the journey has paid off with the Tigers’ new blond bombshell proving he has what it takes.

Ellis, who has played all of Tasmania’s Marsh One-Day Cup games this season, had a breakout performance against a Test-strength NSW on Wednesday at North Sydney Oval in Tasmania’s six-wicket win.

The pace bowler started his demolition when he had NSW opener Daniel Hughes caught down the leg side on 44 by wicketkeeper Ben McDermott.

Nathan Ellis in action during the Marsh One Day Cup match against New South Wales on October Wednesday. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty

The 25-year-old went on to rattle the stumps of Peter Nevill, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon to finish with 5-38 and achieve his maiden domestic five-wicket haul.

Originally from Sydney, Ellis’ move to Tasmania in 2017 to chase his dream of playing higher-level cricket has paid off.

“At the time I moved I just finished my uni degree and I was sort of a fringe player,” Ellis said.

Nathan Ellis celebrates his fifth wicket – bowling Peter Nevill – during the Marsh One-Day Cup match against NSW on Wednesday. Picture. PHIL HILLYARD

“It was time to have a crack or get a real job and put a suit on, so I decided to come down and have a crack.

“It has been a bit of a process, this is my third season down in Hobart from Sydney.

“Towards the back end of last season I thought about packing it in and heading home but after a couple of good seasons down here I got the opportunity to train with the Tigers.

“I did a full pre-season but had to keep doing what I was doing.

“I was still working at the same time and tried to train the house down and put my hat in the ring and get picked, and fortunately enough I got a chance.”

Ellis has now played enough games to be on a Cricket Tasmania contract through the Cricket Australia upgrade contract system.