The Wanderers has been handed three demerit points for a ‘poor’ pitch in the third Test between the Proteas and India.

The ICC announced on Tuesday that Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees has rated the Wanderers Stadium pitch as ‘poor’ and according to the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, it has received three demerit points.

The demerit points will be active for a five-year period and if Wanderers Stadium receives another two demerit points to reach the maximum of five, then the Johannesburg ground will be suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months.

‘The pitch prepared for the final Test was a poor one. It had excessively steep and unpredictable bounce and excessive seam movement,’ said Pycroft.

‘It deteriorated quickly as the match progressed, which made batting extremely difficult and hazardous, resulting in the medical staff from both sides having to come on to the field of play multiple times to treat their batsmen.

‘As the on-field umpires are also responsible for the players’ safety, they expressed concerns about the behaviour of the pitch and debated after day three if it was appropriate to continue the match.

‘In the end, the umpires made the decision to continue and the Test reached its natural conclusion on day four. However, there was still excessive variable bounce and seam movement when the Test match ended.’

Photo: ICC