NEW DELHI: South African pacer Anrich Nortje had an eventful day in the field during the second day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday. Nortje was knocked over by a fast moving spider camera during the match.
Nortje confirmed after the day's play that he was fine, despite being hit on his left shoulder and elbow by the camera. Cricket Australia said that Fox Sports, the official broadcaster, had admitted it was an error by the operator. And according to ESPNcricinfo, Fox Sports has apologised to Nortje for the mishap.
"I didn't know what hit me, to be honest. So far so good. It just knocked the [left] shoulder and the [left] elbow. The elbow is a bit sore but otherwise seems to be okay. I'll just monitor it and see how it goes with the [doctor]," Nortje was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Nortje was in the outfield shortly after lunch when he was knocked to the ground by the camera zipping by at head height. But the good news for South Africa is that he was able to bowl with ease after being hit.
"I saw cables and then I turned around or moved my head and then I saw the camera, but I was a little bit too late. It was quite quick. It didn't really change my mindset or anything. I tried to stay focused. I think the one thing we've spoken about earlier is how low it is and it probably shouldn't be unless [it needs to be] for certain interviews or something. But I don't think it should be travelling at head height. That's just my opinion. And then for Marco [Jansen] as well, they must take him into consideration [for his height]," Nortje added.
Coming to the match, David Warner's double hundred propelled Australia to 386/3 against the visitors, putting the hosts in command at the end of the second day after bowling out the Proteas for 189 on Day 1.
Warner had an anticlimactic end to his superb day as he retired hurt after having suffered a hamstring cramp during his double-hundred celebration. The southpaw fell to the hot weather conditions at MCG after piling misery on the Protea bowlers as he shattered records en route to his knock of 200 not out.
(With inputs from agencies)
