India and South Africa Team Managers react to Wanderers pitch fiasco

After a bizarre end to proceedings on Day 3 of the third Test between India and South Africa at Johannesburg, which saw play being called off for the day due to concerns surrounding the dangerous nature of the pitch, the team managers of India and South Africa have reacted to the events that unfolded and also voiced their thoughts on the possible way forward.

The on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould took the decision to stop the game after Dean Elgar was hit on the helmet by a rising delivery from Jasprit Bumrah during South Africa's second innings, late in the day, after India had scored 247 runs in their second innings leaving the hosts with a target of 241 runs.

However, following the dramatic sequence of events late on, it remains to be seen whether the match will resume on Day 4.

Team India Manager Sunil Subramanian comments clearly indicate that the visitors are of the view that the pitch is not dangerous and are keen to continue playing, as was evident when Indian skipper Virat Kohli gestured to Ajinkya Rahane to continue playing when the umpires had contemplated stopping play after a delivery rose sharply off the pitch and hit the top of Rahane's bat handle during India's second innings earlier in the day.

"The play was called off because of that delivery to Elgar. I can tell you about my team; India are willing to play," Subramanian said. "The Match Referee had called me at tea in case the pitch got dangerous later. We held the view that the pitch was the same for all three days. Today was the day when we had the least wickets. So we wanted to continue to play.

"It was not a ball (the one that hit Elgar) that cut alarmingly. It would be unfair to one of the sides if repair work is done on the pitch tomorrow. Now it is up to match referee to decide. Tomorrow before the start of play we should be told (about the decision)," he added.

Ajinkya Rahane, whose heroic counter-attacking knock of 48 helped India set up a target in excess of 200, echoed his team manager's thoughts and asserted the visitors' view that the pitch is not of a dangerous nature.

"The new ball is challenging, but you cannot call it dangerous, When Amla got 60, no one talked about the pitch. Everybody talked about how he played. I hope Elgar is fine, but I don't think pitch is too dangerous," Rahane said.

Meanwhile, South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee felt that it was up to the umpires and the match referee to take a final call on whether to continue with the match or not.

"At tea, both managers were called by the referee for a discussion. The decision was that umpires will take a call. From our point of view, the decision lies in the referees stand," he said.

Contrary to India's stand, Moosajee indicated that he felt that the pitch was indeed dangerous and not fit for play.

"I'm not sure you are watching the game. The ball that hit Elgar spat from a good length. Nobody has made a direct statement to the direct condition of the pitch. The minute it goes to the head, that's why the umpires decided to consult with the referee," he said.

South Africa coach Ottis Gibson also voiced his thoughts about the pitch and said it was now up to the match officials to take a call on how to proceed.

"Ultimately, we still want to play cricket. But the Match referee's decision will be based on player safety. I hope you are not sitting here thinking we are complaining," Gibson said. "If a ball is going to hit you on your finger, we can probably get away. But if it's on the face, it's a problem."