
Johannesburg, Jan 26: The match between India and South Africa took an unexpected turn when the match officials halted the play on the third day of the third Test on Friday (January 26) citing 'dangerous' pitch conditions at the Wanderers.
Discussions between the two captain and coaches of both the teams started after home opener Dean Elgar took a nasty blow on the grill of his helmet.
Chasing 241, South Africa were 17 for one in 8.3 overs when Elgar was hit on his helmet by a rising delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, forcing umpires to suspend play. The physio rushed to the pitch and Elgar was seen placing an ice-pack on his forehand.
Umpires Ian Gould and Aleem Dar began discussion and soon match referee Andy Pycroft joined them. The players were taken off the field and captains and coaches of the two teams were called to discuss further course of action.
Earlier, India scored 247 in their second innings. The dangerous batting conditions prevailed when India batted as several of their batsmen took blows in their bodies during the day but the play was never halted.
It was India's gritty batting effort against South African pacers all through the day that irked the fans. Many felt that the pitch is still suitable to bat and wished the umpires rule in the favour of the Indians.
Here's how Twitterati reacted: