The third test between South Africa and India will continue at the Wanderers on Saturday despite doubts over the suitability of the pitch, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Friday.
“The on-field umpires [Ian Gould and Aleem Dar], in consultation with the match referee [Andy Pycroft], and after speaking with both the captains and groundsmen, have decided that the Johannesburg test will resume on time [at 10am] on Saturday,” the ICC said on Twitter.
“The on-field umpires will continue to monitor the pitch, and consult the match referee should the pitch deteriorate further.
“The welfare of the players is paramount and two of the most experienced match officials are in charge of the game and will take appropriate decisions.
“Play on Friday was suspended shortly before scheduled close because the on-field umpires wanted to consult the match referee regarding the condition of the pitch.”
The future of the match was cast into doubt more than three hours earlier when play was halted late on the third day after South Africa opening batsman Dean Elgar was struck on the grille of his helmet by a short delivery from Jasprit Bumrah.
Although Elgar was the first batsman to be hit on his helmet in the match, the teams’ physios had made eight other trips to the field to treat players who had been struck on their hands and ribs.
Batting conditions in the match have been extremely challenging, with the pitch offering fast bowlers emphatic movement off the seam as well as sharp bounce.
The ball has also swung through the air prodigiously. South Africa will resume on 17/1 in search of a victory target of 241.
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