New Delhi, (AP/UNB) – Dinesh Chandimal endured air pollution ranging into hazardous levels as he batted through two sessions Monday to reach tea unbeaten on 98 and guide Sri Lanka to 270-4 on day three of the third test against India.The Sri Lanka captain batted for most of the morning and afternoon sessions, needing medical attention for breathing difficulties at one stage, in a 181-run partnership with Angelo Mathews.Their fourth-wicket stand ended when Mathews, who posted his eighth test century, was caught behind for 111 off Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling.Mathews was dropped three times, the latest by Rohit Sharma at second slip off Ishant Sharma, in his 268-ball innings.At the break, Sadeera Samarawickrama was batting on 4 not out and Sri Lanka still had a 266-run deficit.India declared its first innings at 536-7 after Virat Kohli was dismissed for 243 on Sunday, when play had to be stopped three times while bowlers received medical treatment, players complained about the air pollution.Some Sri Lankan players wore face masks during the day, and their coach said players were vomiting after leaving the field.Sri Lanka resumed Monday at 131-3, when air quality readings in the area were well into the hazardous range. By 2 p.m. local time, the readings had improved and were in the “very unhealthy” range.The Indian capital has recently experienced elevated levels of air pollution, and a public health emergency was declared last month.A lack of wind and cloud cover over Delhi also contributed to the stifling conditions.When air quality readings are in the hazardous range, health authorities recommend people avoid all outdoor exertion.Players and staff from the India team have said the air quality hasn’t impeded them and there have been precedents for major sports events, with thousands of athletes competing in the Delhi Marathon on Nov. 19 despite the health warnings.India leads the three-match series 1-0 after winning in Nagpur by an innings and 239 runs. UNB news agency
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