Day 2 of South Africa's second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was marred by a potentially disastrous incident after lanky pacer Anrich Nortje was hit by the spider cam in between overs. The South African pacer was fortunate enough to escape injury after he was knocked off his feet as the video of the device smashing into him went viral.
The spider cam is a broadcasting device — a cable-suspended camera system that can move both vertically and horizontally. In the video circulated on social media, this camera can be seen crashing into Nortje's back. The South African, who was stationed in the mid-wicket region, was walking back to take his position on the field when he was hit.
As the camera moved past Nortje, the South African pacer fell to the ground. Almost immediately, Australia batter Steve Smith rushed towards Nortje to check on him, who was shocked after he was hit by the camera from behind.
Nortje shook off the accident as he continued bowling on Day 2 as the South Africans toiled hard on a hot day in Melbourne. The express pacer bowled 16 overs and picked up the wicket of Steve Smith for 85 in the final session. Nortje's strike helped South Africa break a 239-run stand between Smith and double-centurion David Warner.
The incident did not affect Nortje much as it seems, despite South Africa's troubles on a hot day in Melbourne. Australia went to Stumps at 386 for 3, leading South Africa by 197 runs after Day 2.
There were a few other injury concerns on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test as double-ton hero David Warner limped off the field after suffering cramps while completing his double hundred on his 100th Test. Meanwhile, Cameron Green was struck on the right forefinger while trying to defend a short ball from Nortje. Despite these setbacks, Australia are in a commanding commanding position, and hold the right cards against their opponents.
