The Spider Camera operator who was handling the device on Day 2 of the MCG Test between Australia and South Africa has been stood down from the remainder of the Boxing Day Test. In a bizarre scene on Tuesday, South African pacer Anrich Nortje was knocked over by a fast-moving spider camera. Fox issued an apology to Nortje and the South African team after the incident and the Spidercam was back in action on Day 3 with a minimum height of four metres from the ground. Ok, that’s really bad #spidercam #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/lqBLt5q52f — Josh Rowe (@joshrowe) December 27, 2022 Nortje was fielding at backward-square during Australia’s first innings when Fox Sports’ ‘Flying Fox’ camera hit the bowler at speed. He was knocked to the ground but was on his feet immediately and did not leave the MCG. Steve Smith was among those to check on Nortje’s well-being after the strange incident. Itsy Bitsy Spider. — Anrich Nortje (@AnrichNortje02) December 27, 2022 Sharing the incident, Nortje told the media, “I saw cables and then I moved my head and then I saw the camera and I was a little bit too late. It was quite quick.” “I didn’t know what really hit me, to be honest. It didn’t really change my mindset or anything. I tried to stay focused. “The one thing we’ve spoken about earlier is how low it is, and it probably shouldn’t be . unless for interviews or something. I don’t think it should be travelling at head height,” he said.
