AUS vs SA: Broadcaster's spider camera controller suspended from MCG Test after hitting Anrich Nortje

The Spider Camera controller from Day two of the Australia vs. South Africa has been ordered to step aside for the remainder of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). An unusual and worrying incident occurred on Tuesday, where the scene saw a quick-moving spider camera accidentally knock over South African pacer Anrich Nortje.

In the middle of the second day's sunny afternoon, the spider camera, which is carried by wires just above the MCG surface, executed a low sweep from an elevation of roughly two meters around halfway to the boundary. It was an ugly collision as Nortje was down on the ground after being hit by the spider cam while fielding at the backward square.

I don’t think it should be traveling at head height: Nortje

The Spidercam was brought back in use on the third day, with a height restriction of four meters above the ground, and Fox, the official broadcaster in Australia, apologized to Anrich Nortje as well as the entire South African team for the mishap. After the second day’s play, Nortje spoke to the media about the incident and said:

“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 traveling at head height.”

In accordance with rules set forth by Fox, Cricket Australia, and the International Cricket Council (ICC), Spidercam is not allowed to move at a height of fewer than 3.5 meters except when it is static for conducting player interviews on the field. At the MCG, spider cam controllers stand just in front of the wicket, therefore it was possible to miss any players walking on the outfield at Nortje's location from that standpoint.