South Africa v India: Dangerous pitch halts Test - but play to resume

umpires chose to stop play in advance on day 3 of the 0.33 test between south africa and india because of issues over the johannesburg pitch.

cracks within the wanderers floor widened to cause inconsistent, exaggerated soar and immoderate seam motion.

play changed into halted after the proteas' dean elgar become hit on the helmet grille by way of a bouncer from india's jasprit bumrah - the fourth blow he had suffered.

it become later showed that the in shape might resume as scheduled on saturday.

earlier, gamers from both aspects have been hit by way of sharply rising deliveries, with india opener murali vijay struck five times in the first consultation by myself.

captains faf du plessis and virat kohli were then known as right into a assembly with the umpires - pakistan's aleem dar and england's ian gould - and in shape referee andy pycroft according with global cricket council (icc) regulations.

the icc later tweeted: "the on-discipline umpires will maintain to screen the pitch, and consult the suit referee have to the pitch go to pot in addition.

"the welfare of the gamers is paramount and  of the most skilled in shape officers are in charge of the sport and could take appropriate choices."

simplest 3 batsmen have to this point reached 50 within the match, with south africa wanting a in addition 224 runs for victory with nine wickets remaining.

the proteas are already confident of prevailing the collection, leading 2-zero going into this very last check.has this befell before?
simplest two take a look at matches have formerly been abandoned because of dangerous situations.

both got here within the west indies in matches in opposition to england, first off in january 1998 when england were 17-three at sabina park in jamaica when the umpires deemed the pitch unsuitable.

then in february 2009, a healthy in antigua was known as off after just 10 balls due to the fact a gentle, sandy outfield was seemed as dangerous for bowlers and fielders.

analysis: 'india want to maintain, south africa say it's miles up to the officials'
south african commentator natalie germanos, speaking earlier than the decision to renew, told bbc international carrier:

"we have had a pitch that had quite a few grass on it however additionally there are some cracks and it seems like it's been a little softer than they expected. today we saw pieces of the wickets starting to come up and spray all over the place.

"india have stated they want to hold tomorrow, south africa say it's miles completely up to the in shape officials.

"the word from the manager is that everybody wants to see take a look at cricket but they want to ensure it is genuinely secure.

"ottis gibson, the educate, stated it isn't always sour grapes at all due to the fact while south africa were bowling, their captain faf du plessis stated it is probably unfair. they do need to play, but they are leaving it in the arms of the officials."