MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Anrich Nortje of South Africa celebrates after Steve Smith of Australia was caught out by Theunis de Bruyn of South Africa during day two of the Second Test match in the series between Australia and South Africa at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

South African quick Anrich Nortje has spoken on his shock after being collected by an airborne broadcast camera at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, claiming he had no idea what hit him.

The moustachioed bowler was knocked off his feet after Fox Cricket's 'Spidercam' ran across the outfield before colliding with his left shoulder and elbow shortly after the lunch break.

The camera, propelled by several wires running high above the field of play, was parked following the crash.

Still, despite an apology from the broadcaster and Cricket Australia, reports suggest that the controversial piece of technology will be back in operation for the third day of action at the MCG.

Nortje and his travelling teammates were forced to battle temperatures clocked in the high 30s for much of Day Two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, however, the speedster had a retort of his own, sending down repetitive thunderbolts from the Shane Warne Stand end.

Testing the speed gun with multiple deliveries north of 154 kph, Australia's double centurion David Warner told Channel 7 that Nortje's pre-lunch workload was "the fastest spell I've ever faced".

Though left rattled by the outfield collision, Nortje bore no grudges when quizzed after the second day's play.

"I didn't know what hit me, to be honest," Nortje said follo

"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."

While able to shake off the unconventional incident, the 29-year-old had a simple remedy to avoid any further issues, including with taller members of the Proteas' touring party.

"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. But I don't think it should be travelling head height. That's just my opinion. And then for Marco [Jansen] as well, they must take him into consideration [for his height]," Nortje added.

On a day when South Africa's vaunted bowling cartel were forced to work overtime in the oppressive heat, Nortje earned his due rewards, dismissing Steve Smith with a slower delivery during the final session.

Nortje also channelled Merv Hughes by leading a well-lubricated Bay 13 through their paces with a stretching regime, even toasting his efforts with a protracted skol.

The Port Elizabeth-based paceman stoked the joke further, taking to Twitter to jest via an apt nursery rhyme.

Nortje and the Proteas will return to the wicket within the hour in an effort to curb a rampant Australian order.

At present, the hosts hold a first innings lead of 197 runs heading into Day Three.