On Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday, South African pacer Anrich Nortje was knocked over by a fast-moving spider camera. During Australia’s first innings, Nortje was fielding at the backward square when the ‘Flying Fox’ camera hit the bowler at high speed. He was knocked to the ground but immediately got back up and did not leave the ground.
Moments after Nortje’s amazing post-lunch exhibition of pace bowling, the strange incident happened. Just 11 runs were given up during the four-over spell. In the meantime, after the tea session on Day 2, David Warner has since scored a double century. Immediately after finishing his 200, he was removed from the field due to severe leg cramps.
Here is Anrich Nortje’s video
Ok, that’s really bad #spidercam #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/lqBLt5q52f
— Josh Rowe (@joshrowe) 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
At Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, Australia had resumed on 45-1 in sunny conditions in response to South Africa’s unimpressive first-innings total of 189. Despite rumours that his future in the team beyond this three-match series was in doubt due to recent poor form, Warner is now only the 14th man to play 100 test matches for Australia.
The 36-year-old opener hasn’t reached a century since January 2020. In the first test against South Africa in Brisbane, he only made 0 and 3. The star player would hope to return to the middle to continue from where he left off.
As for the game, Australia currently has a score of 345-3 in 81 overs. They have a lead of 156 and will look to set a good total in the first innings.
The team will look to get yet another win in this match to seal the series in the second game itself. On the other hand, the Proteas will look for a win here to level the series. A victory here will also maintain their chances of making the Test Championship final.
