New Delhi [India], Jan 27: The third day's play between India and South Africa at the Wanderers was called off because of 'dangerous' pitch conditions. South African batsmen Dean Elgar was hit thrice during the duration of the play but the last hit which he took on the grille of his helmet by a short ball by Jasprit Bumrah forced the umpires to take the players off the field. Umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould had consulted earlier because of unusual bounce and deviation on a pitch which former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar described as "dangerous". After Elgar was struck late in the afternoon by a sharply lifting delivery from India's Jasprit Bumrah, match referee Andy Pycroft joined the umpires on the field and the third day of the third and final Test was halted. South Africa, set 241 to win. In reply they were at 17 runs for one. It was Mohammed Shami get the first break through for team India. Aiden Markram was the first victim of Shami. Dean Elger and Hashim Amla were at the crease.

Further play in the third Test between South Africa and India was in the hands of the match officials on Friday after play was called off shortly before the scheduled close on the third day at the Wanderers.