It seems the Delhi smog is getting the better of the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team during the 3rd Test match at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. The national capital is already reeling under the smog menace. The air quality levels are really poor and that has already been affecting the commoners of the city as well. During the 3rd Test, we saw Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal using a mask on the field of play. Even Angelo Matthews was wearing the mask during the Test.
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Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has reached his 6th double century. This also happens to be his 20th Test century and his 11th in 2017 across formats. It was evident that the players were facing eye irritation. This could very well be the first time that a Test match has been halted due to smog, fog, yes it has happened in England. We also saw the Sri Lankan players with the score at 519 for 5 was asking the umpires to go off the field.
#INDvSL players from srilankan’s are just acting up to make sure they don’t play further as they can see defeat, thats why masks are on, yesterday entire day there was no one wearing anything in nearly same weather conditions…
— Aakash (@aakash1raj) December 3, 2017
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There was a lot of talks that went on between umpires and players but the umpires finally decided to allow play to continue. But we also saw the doctors being asked to step on the field with the match referee David Boon.
Dinesh Chandimal (Source: Hotstar)
One may feel it is harsh if one thinks from Virat Kohli’s point of view as he is batting on 240. He is hungry for runs and that is evident. He has scored two double centuries in the past 7 days.
I saw an article earlier today about alarming pollution levels in Delhi. Sri Lanka may have genuine concerns! #INDvSL
— Balaji. V (@mkvbalu) December 3, 2017
Masks on the field (Source: Hotstar)
The Sri Lankan players also laid down on the ground and were dearly looking at the umpire to allow them to leave the field. That would mean Virat will have to start after the break.
Chandimal (Source: Hotstar)
As we speak, it seems the match has started after a 16-minute halt.
Smog bites the visitor’s (Source: Hotstar)
It was so ironical that Ashwin departed the first ball after the break. That is what a break in concentration does, a classic example.
