'Hats off to him': Nortje showers Warner with praise after sweltering conditions at MCG

Proteas pacer Anrich Nortje lauded Australian opener, David Warner, for his brave and amazing knock on the second day of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Warner used the occasion of his 100th Test to break his 28-inning Test 100 drought to record his 25th Test ton.

Warner's knock allowed Australia to close the second evening on 386/3, with Warner retiring on 200* after braving hot conditions.

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Nortje was the one bowler who consistently troubled Warner, but said the conditions were enervating and the cramp some of the players suffered was expected.

Ngidi also left the field near the end of the day's play, but Nortje said it was nothing more than cramp, but made sure to praise Warner's stupendous knock.

"I was off the field when he came off, but look, it was hot and a few guys were cramping," Nortje said.

"Lungi and I also battled some cramp and it wasn't as easy. There was a breeze that cooled things down and gave the impression that the weather was ok, but it was hot.

"At the end of the day, they batted really well, and hats off to him (Warner) for batting well. The energy and the fight that he showed was amazing.

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"Hopefully, we can get him in the second innings."

Despite the Proteas conceding runs at 4.24 an over, Nortje's 16 overs only went for 50 runs, with Steven Smith's wicket being his reward.

He bowled with extreme pace, hostility, and an aggression that discomfited Warner in particular.

Nortje said he enjoyed his spell, but the heat also left him drained.

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"It was probably up