Pitch row: We want the play to continue: Rahane

Bengaluru, January 26: Despite the third day's play being called off by umpires citing dangerous wicket, Ajinkya Rahane said India would like to continue to play.

The on field umpires called off the third day's proceedings of the third Test between India and South Africa at the Wanderers after a Jasprit Bumrah short ball clocked Dean Elgar on the helmet.

3rd Test: South Africa 17/1 at stumps before dangerous pitch force halt of play on Day 3

"We wanted to continue, the umpires said the decision is completely up to us (When India were batting). We told them our message is completely clear. We want to play," said Rahane during the post-day press do on Friday (January 26).

Notwithstanding batsmen from either side getting hit on the body, Rahane said the pitch was not a dangerous one.

"It is a challenging wicket. They prepared this wicket. We never told them to prepare a track like this. We want to play. What about them bowling short balls to our bowlers. When Ishant, Bhuvi nad Shami were batting, everyone was bowling bouncers. I don't think it is a dangerous wicket," said Rahane.

However, Rahane termed the pitch a challenging one without forgetting the fact that it was similar for both the teams.

"It was challenging. The wicket was similar for both teams. Our approach is that we want to play and we want to win this Test match. That ball Elgar got was back of length. It kicked off slightly more bounce than usual. The bounce on this wicket is completely natural and not dangerous.

"The umpires were checking on me because I got hit on the elbow and glove. They were telling me if you want to call your physio you can and take your time," said Rahane.