JOHANNESBURG – Play was halted on the third day of the third and final Test after South African batsman Dean Elgar was hit on the grille of his helmet by a short ball from India's Jasprit Bumrah.
There had been several discussions between umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould earlier because of unusual bounce and deviation on a pitch which ex Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar described as "dangerous".
After Elgar was struck, match referee Andy Pycroft joined the umpires on the field and play was halted.
Play has been stopped for now by the umpires after a few big blows to the body of Elgar, the last to his head. The pitch is the issue at the moment. SA are 17/1 for now chasing a target of 241 #SAvIND #SunfoilTest #FreedomSeries pic.twitter.com/uurXQn4XqP
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 26, 2018
As the players left the field, the respective captains and coaches met with Pycroft after which it was decided that play will be stopped for the day.
In the meantime, the rain started coming down and the covers were brought out over the Bullring.
Discussions will continue to decide the fate of the third and deciding Test match.
South Africa, set 241 to win, were 17 for one.