Sri Lankan players come out wearing masks on day two of Delhi Test
The pollution in New Delhi has been under the scanner throughout the winter and on day two of the third Test between India and Sri Lanka, it was highlighted yet again. After lunch on day two, several Sri Lankan cricketers, including captain Dinesh Chandimal and star all-rounder Angelo Mathews were wearing a mask over mouth to protect themselves from the toxic air before play was stopped.
The Sri Lankan skipper was also in conversation with umpire Nigel Llong about the playing conditions. Play was held up for a while before the umpires had a conversation with both Indian captain Virat Kohli and Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal. The third umpire confirmed that the situation is being monitored.
While the levels of pollution are undeniable, it is important to note that the level on day two was actually lower than day one when India plundered over 350 runs.
"Levels in Delhi have been in hazardous levels for a while" said Murali Kartik on commentary after seeing the players wearing masks. His fellow commentator Jonathan Trott also remarked that this might be a first in the history of Test cricket while speaking about the conditions at Delhi.
While the conditions in Delhi are from perfect, Sri Lanka haven't been able to make much of an impact with the ball. India had scored 519/5 with Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin at the crease before play was stopped. Kohli was batting on his career-best Test score on 242*. Soon after play resumed, Ashwin was dismissed.
Going into lunch on day two, India were cruising at 500/5 as Virat Kohli completed his sixth Test double century as captain, which helped him overtake Brian Lara and claim the world record for most double tons as Test captain.
In November, Virat Kohli took to Twitter to post a video on Twitter to urge the citizens of the city to take matters into their own hands and do their bit amidst the air pollution crisis that has enveloped the state.
“Hi guys! We all know what the situation of pollution is like in Delhi, I wanted to bring your attention towards it because a lot of people are debating as to what’s causing it. But what are we actually doing about it?” Kohli said.
“I would urge people to share their rides whenever they can. I would urge them to use a bus, a metro, or use Ola Share if you can. This action if we do it once a week, it will make a massive difference. Kyunki har chhote action se bhi farak padta hain. (Because every small action also makes a difference) If you agree, like this post, share it and show your support,” Kohli added.