The Wanderers will have no room for error with regards to pitch preparation over the next five years after the ICC confirmed that the surface used for the third Test between South Africa and India was rated as 'poor' by match referee Andy Pycroft. As a result, the venue was hit with three demerit points under a new system that was introduced by the ICC this month. Another two demerit points within a five-year period will result in a 12-month ban from international cricket.
INDIA TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA, 2018
Wanderers pitch rated poor, receives three demerit points
The Wanderers pitch came under scrutiny after significant variable bounce put the players' safety under question © BCCI
While Cricket South Africa have a right of appeal, they would appear to face a difficult job overturning the verdict. Concerns over the state of the wicket reached fever pitch on day three, when the unpredictable bounce led to a number of India's batsmen suffering blows to the body and the day's play was curtailed when Dean Elgar incurred a blow to the head.
The match continued on day four after the officials declared it was safe to continue, but while Elgar batted on bravely and carried his bat in a South African defeat, he later said that the game
