Debasis Sen, Johannesburg: After an evening of drama over the wicket at the Wanderers, the match officials has finally agreed to continue the third test match between India and South Africa on Saturday. The fourth day’s play will resume on scheduled time i.e., local time at 10 am.
The cricketers of both teams were called off the field by on field umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould with 20 minutes remaining on day three. The decision was influenced after South African opener Dean Elgar was smashed on the grille by a short ball from Jasprit Bumrah in the 9th over of South Africa’s second innings.
The Proteas opener was hit a few times during his brief stay at the wicket, but before that India had struggled with the exact same conditions for most of the day.
The Wanderers wicket has been problematic from the beginning of this Test, but with the cracks widening it has become even more unpredictable as things have progressed.
The ball was kicking up off a length throughout the day, and while India were batting there had been discussions between the umpires and batsmen suggesting that they were contemplating whether or not it was safe to continue.
Both the managers had a discussion during the tea break with the umpires and match referee following which it was decided that play may be stopped if conditions deteriorate further in the day.
That is when the real confusion began with both camps unsure of what decision would be taken for Saturday.
If the match had been abandoned, it would have been just the second time in the history of Test cricket that a dangerous wicket had brought about such a result.
But, after both captains met with the umpires and match referee Andy Pycroft following the end of the day’s play, the decision was eventually taken for play to continue on Saturday.
South Africa will resume on 17/1 with Elgar (11*) and Hashim Amla (2*) at the wicket. To win and secure a series whitewash, the Proteas will have to chase down 241, a result that seems unlikely given the nature of what is becoming an increasingly controversial pitch.