SA face 'dangerous' pitch

The Third Test between South Africa and India will resume on Saturday despite fears over the Wanderers pitch which was described as "dangerous" and caused an early stoppage on Friday, officials said. When play was stopped shortly before the scheduled close on the third day, South Africa were 17 for one in their second innings, chasing 241 to win the match and complete a clean sweep of the series.

"The on-field umpires, in consultation with the match referee, and after speaking with both the captains and groundsmen, have decided that the Johannesburg Test will resume on time on Saturday," said an International Cricket Council statement.

The Wanderers wicket had seen balls lifting sharply off a good length all day. Umpires Ian Gould and Aleem Dar, after at least four discussions on whether to take the players off the field, finally took the decision when South Africa opener Dean Elgar was struck on the helmet by a short ball from seamer Jasprit Bumrah.

The home side were 17 for one at the close, with Elgar 11 not out and Hashim Amla at the other end on 2, still needing 224 for victory in their second innings.

India had earlier showed admirable bravery in posting 247 in their second innings, with their final four wickets adding what could be a vital 99 runs as they took the attack to the bowling. Ajinkya Rahane (48), not picked for the first two tests of the series, played some sublime shots in difficult conditions, while captain Virat Kohli (41) showed resilience before he was bowled by a superb in-swinging delivery from the pick of the South African bowlers, Kagiso Rabada (3-69).

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: First Innings 187

SOUTH AFRICA: First Innings 194 (Amla 61, Philander 35, Rabada 30; Bumrah 5-54, Kumar 3-44)

INDIA: Second Innings 247 (Vijay 25, Rahane 48, Kumar 33, Shami 27; Philander 3-61, Rabada 3-69, Morkel 3-47)

SOUTH AFRICA: Second Innings 17 for 1 (Elgar 11 not out, Amla 2 not out; Shami 1-7)