Scary moment South African star luckily escapes serious injury after being ‘poleaxed’ by a Spidercam during Boxing Day Test in hilarious scenes
Fox Sports apologized to Anrich Nortje and the South African team after the fast bowler was knocked out by their Spidercam on the second day of the Boxing Day Test.
Nortje was walking between overs shortly after lunch in Melbourne when a 53lb mobile camera fell to the ground as it zipped on its wires.
Fortunately, the 29-year-old avoided serious injury and was able to resume bowling after being hit on the left shoulder and elbow.
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje was lucky to escape serious injury after a flying camera hit him from behind.
But he later revealed that South Africans already had concerns that the camera – designed to bring viewers into the heart of the action – was putting player safety at risk.
‘I saw the camera but I was a bit late. It’s pretty fast,’ Nortje said. ‘One thing we talked about earlier is how low it should be and it probably shouldn’t be unless it’s for some interviews. I don’t think it should be above the head.’
Fox immediately stopped using the camera for the day but it will be used, with more caution, later in a match dominated by the Australians.
Nortje fell to the ground as a result of the collision, but fortunately he was able to continue the match after being examined by South African medical personnel.
Camera staff were seen attending ‘Spidercam’ after the collision at the MCG
Nortje struck a blow of his own before he was stumped on day two when Cameron Green was glove-raped and suffered a cut to his right index finger that forced him to retire hurt.
David Warner also retired with cramp but only after marking his 100th Test appearance with an unbeaten 200, his first century in almost three years, as the hosts closed day two on 386 for three — ahead of 197.
Relief for Anrich Nortje after he claimed the prized scalp of Aussie superstar Steve Smith. It came after Spidercam hit him from behind
South African skipper Dean Elgar (left) and umpire Richard Kettleborough (right) examine Anrich Nortje after the collision. Fortunately, the South African pacer appeared unscathed as he was able to continue
