India vs South Africa third Test: Play stopped after Dean Elgar hit by bouncer on 'dangerous' Wanderers pitch

The move came after South Africa opening batsman Dean Elgar was hit on the helmet by a delivery from India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah

Play has been suspended in Johannesburg (Getty)

Play has been stopped in the third cricket test between South Africa and India amid debate over whether the pitch is too dangerous to play on.

The move came after South Africa opening batsman Dean Elgar was hit on the helmet by a delivery from India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the ninth over of South Africa's second innings late on Friday afternoon.

As Elgar received treatment, the umpires came together and then match referee Andy Pycroft came out onto the field to talk with them. The players were then directed to leave the field.

The blow to Elgar's helmet came after he was hit on the right hand, and then in the midriff.

Speculation was rife throughout the third day's play at the Wanderers in Johannesburg that the pitch, fast and bouncy but also unpredictable because of large cracks, might be deemed dangerous for batsmen.

There was no official word, but if play was to be abandoned at the Wanderers, it would be only the third time in test cricket history that a match was called off for dangerous conditions.