Journalism of Courage
The alarming level of pollution in Delhi was reflected on the second day of the third Test between India and Sri Lanka as players including captain Dinesh Chandimal, Suranga Lakmal and Lakash Sadakanan wore face masks on the field while India batted. Even the Indian players, who came on the field to give water to teammates, were also seen wearing masks before start of play. Both the captains discussed with umpires whether the game should be continued as Chandimal stressed his players were not comfortable on the field. The third umpire and match referee were also appraised of the situation and medical teams were brought on the field to take a look at whether the players can continue to play. The situation turned bizarre as the visitors were left with 10 fielders in the middle and ran out of substitute players. Multiple interruptions during the match increased Virat Kohli’s frustration and the Indian skipper decided to declare the innings with 536 runs on the board. (Source: Express photos by Praveen Khanna)
Several Sri Lankan players including captain Dinesh Chandimal, Suranga Lakmal and Lakash Sadakanan were seen spotting wearing face masks on the field. (Express photos by Praveen Khanna)
Both the captains discussed with umpires whether the game should be continued as Chandimal stressed his players were not comfortable on the field. (Source: Express photos by Praveen Khanna)
The third umpire and match referee were also appraised of the situation while Virat Kohli expressed his dissatisfaction over the constant interruptions (Source: Express photos by Praveen Khanna)
Medical teams were brought on the field to take a look at whether the players can continue to play.. (Source: Express photos by Praveen Khanna)
After discussions, which lasted for around 20 minutes, Sri Lankan fielders went back to their fielding positions, still wearing masks and the game resumed again. (Source: Express photos by Praveen Khanna)
Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Gamage and Suranga Lakmal particularly struggled by the pollution and starting panting while bowling. (Source: AP)
A break was called on by the umpires to discuss the health concerns at Kotla after Gamage started coughing while bowling. (Source: AP)
The situation turned bizarre with each second as Sri Lanka was left with 10 fielders in the middle and ran out of substitutions. (Source: AP)
Multiple interruptions in the match increased Kohli’s frustration and the Indian skipper decided to declare the innings with 536 runs on the board.
It is the first time ever in the history of international cricket that a Test match was held up due to pollution concerns. (Source: BCCI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) level in New Delhi on Sunday was registered as “hazardous”, with PM 2.5 level measured at 316 by aqicn.org. (Source: BCCI)
