Umpires to Remain Alert for Pitch Behaviour at the Wanderers

Published - 27 Jan 2018, 04:59 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:48 PM

South African batsman Dean Elgar (back) is treated after being hit by a ball delivery bounce during the third day of the third test match between South Africa and India at Wanderers cricket ground on January 26, 2018 in Johannesburg. / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

The Wanderers surface has by no means given an all clear certificate despite the Test being in progress even on the 4^th day morning. Umpires took the players off the ground just 19 minutes before the end of the 3^rd day’s play after Dean Elgar was struck on the head by a rising delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. It was just not that incident as even the Indian batsmen dealt with some blows bravely but kept batting. The umpires will remain alert throughout the match, and in case they feel the pitch become dangerous the match can still be called off.

The pitch had steep and extravagant bounce throughout the match, but on Day 3 the umpires were thinking about the player’s safety after several players had to deal with body blows. However, it was decided the match will continue on Day 4, and after wet outfield conditions delayed the proceedings by half an hour, the match started with Amla and Dean Elgar starting proceedings.

Wanderer’s surface has been under question after the intervention of the match referee Andy Pycroft. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

India had courageously fought their way, and in case the match is called off in the later stages it will be unjust on India. However, by the look of things on Day 4 morning session, the surface has evened out after the huge roller was used before the start of the day’s play. However, the ploy might work against the Indians as the Proteas are batting pretty well and are currently 60/1 with overnight batsmen Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla still at the crease.

The match has been pretty competitive so far. After batting first, India posted 187 on the board, and Cheteshwar Pujara commented that the 187 was more like a 300 in any other pitch. The Indian bowlers bowled well and dismissed the hosts for a paltry 194 runs thus surrendering a slender lead of just seven runs. India batted brilliantly in the 2nd essay and riding on useful knocks by skipper Virat Kohli, and vice-captain Ajiinkya Rahane India set South Africa a total of 241 to chase.