Interestingly, the ball that forced stoppage of play was a normal short pitch delivery the likes of which were bowled many times during India’s second innings by the South Africans. It raised serious concerns among the umpires and the match referee Andy Pycroft was called in and it was made a decision to end the day’s play. However, they have also said they will continue to play should the match referee deem the pitch safe. This happened shortly after Proteas batsman Dean Elgar was hit on his helmet from a Jasprit Bumrah delivery.
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India vice-captain Ajinjya Rahane said that the Wanderers pitch was challenging, but wasn’t risky as many experts deemed it to be through the third Test.
Play is expected to start on time on day four, but the ICC confirmed the umpires would be monitoring the pitch throughout the rest of the match.
Returning to the side after being dropped from the first two Tests, Rahane (46 not out) timed the knock to perfection as he played with gumption to take India to 199 for six at tea.
The pitch was the focus of all the action from the morning, when the top began to come off the surface and the ball reared alarmingly from all sorts of lengths. If the captains agree to continue, play shall resume.
South Africa start well on Day 4 and are presently 42/1 in 17 overs. The pitch suddenly looks a decent wicket to bat on.
He further revealed that the match referee had asked them if they deemed the pitch unsafe but they felt it behaved the same on all three days. While there was nothing wrong with that pitch, it underlined the severe dangers of being struck by a hard leather ball being bowled at speeds sometimes in excess of 140 kph (87 mph).
Both teams have the chance to take control of the game on day three: Every precious run India makes on such a tough wicket for batsmen magnifies South Africa’s already uphill task of batting last.
“If they come here tomorrow (Saturday) and they say its game on, we will go on and play”, said Gibson at stumps.
The India vice-captain further added that nobody was talking about nature of the pitch when Hashim Amla scored 60 in South Africa ‘s first innings.
The bowling attack haven’t possessed much threat to the batsman and have been constantly targeting the wickets.
We look at the key talking points of a highly eventful day. Their combined individual contributions was worth 66 and their partnership was even a little less – 43 for the third wicket – but the effort provided India with a platform from where they could hope for an unlikely win. When we play in England the grass will be of a similar length.
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However, officials announced that the Test would resume as scheduled on day four following a meeting between the umpires, match commissioner Andy Pycroft and team representatives.
