India set Sri Lanka 410 to win in smog-choked Delhi Test
December 05, 2017
NEW DELHI: India declared their second innings on 246-5 to set Sri Lanka a target of 410 to win the pollution-tainted third Test in New Delhi, which saw a player vomit on Tuesday.
Skipper Virat Kohli (50) called his batsmen back to the dressing room after Rohit Sharma completed his half-century in the final session of the fourth day at the smog-shrouded Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal, who was forced to return briefly to the dressing room after vomiting twice while fielding, bowled 14 overs and claimed a wicket.
Groundsmen rushed in to cover the spot with sand and sawdust. A doctor at the stadium examined three Sri Lankan players and said their vitals were normal.
Dhananjaya de Silva denied Cheteshwar Pujara a half-century after having the left-hander caught for 49.
Lakshan Sandakan then got rid of opener Dhawan for 67, bringing an end to his crucial 77-run third-wicket stand with Pujara.
Earlier, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 373, conceding a 163-run lead to India, who had declared at 536 for seven.
But it was the hazardous smog in one of the world´s most polluted cities that again dominated proceedings.
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.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India said 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.
India lead the three-match series 1-0 and need just a draw for their ninth successive Test series win.
