India vs Sri Lanka: Suranga Lakmal vomits in first session as pollution continues to dominate Delhi Test

Sri Lanka have protested about the New Delhi air, but the visitors did not immediately comment on the cause of Lakmal's illness.

AFP, Dec, 05 2017

New Delhi: Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal vomited on the ground Tuesday as New Delhi's pollution again took centrestage during the third Test between India and Sri Lanka.

Amid the toxic haze that engulfed the stadium for a fourth day, the Sri Lankan paceman looked sick and pale as he returned to the dressing room after bowling just three overs.

Sri Lanka's Suranga Lakmal, centre, vomits as his teammates stand next to him during the fourth day of their third Test match against India. AP

Sri Lanka's Suranga Lakmal, centre, vomits as his teammates stand next to him during the fourth day of their third Test match against India. AP

Sri Lanka have protested about the New Delhi air, but the visitors did not immediately comment on the cause of Lakmal's illness.

Coach Nic Pothas said Sri Lankan players had vomited in the dressing room on Sunday because of the pollution.

Lakmal — who dismissed opener Murali Vijay in the morning session before illness forced him off — returned to bowl another four overs before lunch on the fourth day of the final Test.

Nine Sri Lankan players apart from the wicketkeeper and the bowler wore face masks as they braved the hazardous air at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.

The website of the US embassy in New Delhi showed the air quality index at 398, 15 times the World Health Organization's safe limit. Conditions were worse on Monday.

India meanwhile moved to 51 for two at lunch, stretching their second innings lead to 214 runs. Shikhar Dhawan, on 15, and Cheteshwar Pujara, on 17, were batting at the break.

The poor form of Ajinkya Rahane, promoted to number three in the batting order, continued as he fell to Dilruwan Perera for 10.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 373, conceding a 163-run lead after India declared at 536 for seven.

Indian paceman Ishant Sharma and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed three wickets each.

But it was the hazardous smog in one of the world's most polluted cities that again dominated proceedings.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on late Monday that New Delhi could be left off future fixture lists during the winter season when pollution in the region peaks.

BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary said venues would be reconsidered "in view of the situation which was encountered in the last two to three days."

"The BCCI has been sensitive on the smog and fog matter over the years," he added.

Published Date: Dec 05, 2017 | Updated Date: Dec 05, 2017




Rank Team Points Rating
1 India 4493 125
2 South Africa 3767 111
3 England 4497 105
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5 Australia 3294 97
Rank Team Points Rating
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2 India 6379 120
3 Australia 5948 114
4 England 6156 114
5 New Zealand 5432 111
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3 West Indies 2395 120
4 England 2029 119
5 India 2965 119