South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje avoided serious injury despite being floored by 'Spidercam' in a terrifying moment at the MCG.
The 29-year-old, who removed Steve Smith in a rare moment of solace for South Africa in day two, was taken out by the 315kg item as he walked back to his mark at deep square leg. Nortje had his back to the Fox Sport camera when it seemingly hurtled towards him and made contact with his back.
There was immediate concern as Nortje hit the deck, but mercifully, he was quickly back on his feet and into position. He was checked over by the Proteas' medical staff but with seemingly no after effects, was able to play on.
Camera staff were seen attending to 'Spidercam' after the collision. The notion has become a popular one at worldwide sporting events, also regularly used in international rugby games.
Channel Seven commentator James Brayshaw voiced his concern though, as he described the incident to viewers. "Nortje walking quietly to his spot, then bang. That should not be happening."
The incident added to an awful day for the tourists, who were up against it after being skittled for 189 on day one. Australia finished day two 386 for 3, with David Warner making an unbeaten 200 before retiring hurt and Smith 85 before Nortje had him caught by Theunis de Bruyn.
Despite the obvious concern, many were quick to make light of the incident on social media, with @cricBC referencing the infamous 2018 'sandpaper gate' scandal in South Africa. After home broadcaster SuperSport noticed an unusual pattern in reverse swing for the Aussie bowlers, the cameras specifically followed their on-field antics, leading to the downfall of Smith, Warner, and Cameron Bancroft.
"Fox Sport getting one back at SuperSport. You spot our cricketers with sandpaper, (so) we knock yours out with Spidercam," they tweeted. @pad_nauseum joked that the Nortje was being punished for producing a probing spell of bowling just beforehand.
"Anrich Nortje just bowled one of the quickest spells in Australia," he wrote. "Naturally with our tall poppy syndrome, he’s just been poleaxed by the Spidercam."
