Indian team says 'ready to play on same pitch'

Johannesburg [South Africa], Jan. 27 (ANI): India are willing to play with South Africa on the same pitch, team manager Sunil Subramaniam said on Friday.

"As for now the play has been called off for the day. Play was called off because of that delivery to Elgar. India are willing to play," Subramaniam said while addressing a press conference here after the play of the third day was called off prematurely.

The third day of the third Test between South Africa and India was called-off early after match umpires held a long discussion with the respective team captains over an incident where a back of a length delivery from Jasprit Bumrah hit Deal Elgar on his helmet.

Subramaniam informed that the match referee had called him at tea time to tell that the wicket was unfit for playing and both team captains would be consulted to take the game forward.

"We held the views that the wicket has been the same for all three days and today, the third day, is the day probably with least wickets and strike rate was highest, so we would like to continue play," the Indian team manager said.

However, he added that the final decision laid with the umpires and both the teams would abide it.

Meanwhile, Indian Vice-Captain Ajinkya Rahane, while admitting the pitch to be a challenging wicket, said it was not a dangerous one.

"What about them (South Africa) bowling short balls to our bowlers. When Ishant, Bhuvi, Shami and Bumrah were batting, everyone was bowling bouncers. I don't think it is a dangerous wicket, yes, it is a challenging wicket," Rahane said.

India have given South Africa a 241-run target in the third and final cricket Test at Wanderers cricket ground in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, the match's fate hangs in balance right now. South Africa need another 224 to win but might not have to resume their chase at all, if the match officials decide to abandon the same.

The Proteas have an unassailable lead, 2-0, over India in the three-match Test series. (ANI)