Anrich Nortje avoids serious injury after being struck by Spidercam at MCG

Nortje was fielding in the inner ring when he was clipped from behind by the human-operated camera, which is used to give dramatic swooping shots of play in a number of sports worldwide

TV executives are always looking to get closer to the action, but this was a step too far.

South Africa bowler Anrich Nortje has escaped serious injury after being struck by the MCG's Spidercam during the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

Nortje was fielding when he was clipped from behind by the human-operated camera, which is used to give dramatic swooping shots of play in a number of sports worldwide. 

User error was identified as the cause of the crash, which led to an apology from host broadcaster Fox and a temporary suspension of Spidercam for the remainder of the second day's play. It is due to be deployed again on day three. 

Nortje received bumps to the elbow and shoulder but said after the close that he will be fine to participate in the rest of the match.

Fox sport getting one back at SuperSport.

You spot our cricketers with sand paper. We knock yours out with spider cam.pic.twitter.com/j0Lr5I1vja

— cricBC (@cricBC) December 27, 2022

"I didn't know what hit me, to be honest," he said. "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].

"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."

The incident will, however, spark concerns about unnecessary risk to players. Spidercam, which has been used by broadcasters since 2004, has been at the centre of several cricketing incidents in the past - albeit more to do with inteference in play, rather than an assault on the stars of the game.

There have been several occasions, in the Big Bash and Indian Premier League, where the ball has either struck the camera or a cable has been blamed for obscuring the ball and scuppering the chance of a catch.

^{Anrich Nortje was struck by Spidercam at the MCG [Getty Images]}

On Tuesday, Nortje stressed that the safety of players needs to be considered by those involved in its operation.

"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," he said.

"But I don't think it should be travelling head height. That's just my opinion."

Related Topics

• "I lived the dream": Farhaan Behardien calls time on his career

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on everything England - including leading coverage of England in India, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.