SA Vs IND 2018: Pitch Gate Takes Over Day Three at the Wanderers

The third day of the third Test between South Africa and India was full of controversies, courtesy the condition of the playing surface at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The day was called off after a ball by Jasprit struck Dean Elgar straight on the grill of his helmet. India started day three at 49/1 with Murali Vijay and KL Rahul at the crease. Vijay was dismissed early in the day he played a wide ball to nick it towards the slip cordon.

India was then reduced to 57/3 as Cheteshwar Pujara was also removed early by Morne Morkel on just 1. Virat Kohli and Vijay then had a little partnership before Vijay got a brilliant ball by Kagiso Rabada which rattled his stumps. Vijay was dismissed for just 25. Kohli and Pujara then steadied the Indian innings.

Kohli’s purple patch continued but couldn’t consolidate the start he got this time around as was clean bowled by Rabada on 41. Hardik Pandya had another failure as he scored just four runs before Rabada had his third victim of the day. Bhuvneshwar then joined hands with Rahane in the middle and was involved in a 55 runs partnership. Rahane played some glorious shots but fell two runs shot of a well-deserved half-century.

Mohammed Shami made a quick fire 27 off 28 to put India in a strong position. Bhuvneshwar also scored a patient 33 down the order. India was bundled out for 247, setting Proteas a target of 241.

Throughout the day the umpires met each other on numerous occasions to talk about the condition of the pitch but both the captains agreed to continue.

India then a wonderful start as Mohammed Shami removed Aiden Markram just four runs. South Africa was 17/1 as the match was called off early and a decision over the game will be made by the officials.

India 1st innings -187 all-out

South Africa 1^st innings- 194 all-out

India 2^nd Innings- 247 all-out

South Africa 2^nd innings- 17/1

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