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- Published: December 27, 2022 12:58
New Delhi: South Africa’s pacer Anrich Nortje was knocked out by spider cam during day 2 of the Test match against Australia. While he was fielding at backward square, Fox Sports’ ‘Flying Fox’ camera, suspended above the MCG by wires, hit his back at speed. Nortje fell to the ground when he was walking back to his position in the outfield and suddenly got hit.
While the Proteas are way behind in the game, Nortje’s injury could have been a big blow. Thankfully, for the visitors, the pacer did not get injured by the hit. However, the question of the camera being suspended at such a lower height that it hit a player is being raised by the people watching the game.
The medical staff on-field came for the check-up and they checked for a concussion and injury in the incident. Nortje was able to continue playing after a short break in the game.
While fans expressed their concerns, the incident also led to some hilarious tweets by netizens.
Who said cricket isn’t a contact sport?
South African player Anrich Nortje hit by the aerial camera at the #BoxingDayTest
Meanwhile Warner has his century & Australia only two wickets down and 2 runs away from SA’s first innings total (Warner on 115 & Smith on 39) pic.twitter.com/ZafPYIJPue
— The Sage (@SarkySage) December 27, 2022
If Jim Ross commentated Anrich Nortje being smashed by Spidercam pic.twitter.com/qpujB0PW2g
— Ethan (@ethanmeldrum_) December 27, 2022
Here’s the @FoxCricket Flying Fox / Spider Cam doing its bit to help the Aussie cricketers build a healthy lead against South Africa… ?? Hope the player it collided with (Nortje?) is okay! #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/9cIcPS2AAq
— Ari (@arimansfield) December 27, 2022
No Anrich Nortje’s were seriously harmed during the filming of this footage. #AUSvSApic.twitter.com/VbRa53FYX5
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 27, 2022
At the time of the incident, Australia was at 176/2, while they stand at 386/3 after the end of day 2. Australia has taken a lead of 189 runs following a double ton by David Warner who was later retired hurt. In the game, Anrich Nortje managed to dismiss Steve Smith at 85 (161) after de Bruyn took a catch in the gully. Nortje also hit Cameron Green on his finger, leading to the batter being retired hurt.