- Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje warned that the Spidercam is too low in matches.
- Nortje was caught on camera moving after lunch on the second day of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne.
- Australia, who made 386/3 at the end of the day’s play, now lead by 197.
Proteas fast man Anrich Nortje may have seen the lighter side of his collision with the spider cam on the second day of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne, but he also warned against its intrusive use in the middle.
Part of a Proteas attack that worked hard but was not rewarded, Nortje was hit by the moving camera during the post-lunch session on the second day.
The camera was not damaged, while Nortje said she had pain in her elbow, but nothing else. However, Nortje added that the players had talked about how low the camera was.
SCOREKEEPER | Proteas v Australia, 2nd Test, Day 2
During the post-match press conference, it emerged that the announcers had apologized to Nortje, with the sprinter adding that it didn’t change his approach.
“The only thing we’ve talked about is how low the camera is,” Nortje said.
“Unless it’s for certain interviews, I don’t think you should be traveling at head height. That is my opinion and you also have to take into account Marco Jansen.
“I didn’t know what hit me, to be honest.
“It didn’t change my thinking. I tried to stay focused when the captain asked me to bowl, so I was ready at that point.”
“I won’t say my mentality changed. It was pretty much the same.”
South Africa may have been transported out of the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, but it was Australia who bore the most walking wounded after their 386/3.
Double centurion David Warner came off the field cramping after reaching his waypoint, while five-wicket hero Cameron Green took a blow to the fingers of his right hand and had to retire injured.
There was also Mitchell Starc, who is doubtful for the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground next week after dislocating the tip of his middle finger on his left bowling hand while trying to catch.
Australia’s already hilly total which has seen them build up a lead of 197 means he shouldn’t be forced to bat.
However, his and Green’s injuries mean Australia could be short of two second-innings bowlers.
Nortje wished the injured Aussies well, but also admitted that the absence of two pitchers could be a major factor in their attempt to save the game.
READ | Dismal Proteas punished while Warner retires in pain after making 200
“We haven’t talked about it yet, but we know it will be a big factor,” Nortje said.
“Once we get to that stage, it will be crucial that we bat for as long as possible. The more overs the bowlers go through, the more overs a substitute bowler has to make.
“Hopefully we can get plenty of batsmen in hand and it will be a crucial stage for us as we work through the tough stages with our main order to cash in later.”
“Let’s hope it’s not too bad for them.”
