Pollution back in focus as Lanka’s Lakmal throws up at Kotla

New Delhi, December 5 : The controversial issue of air pollution flared up again in the third and final Test between India and Sri Lanka, with the visiting seamer Suranga Lakmal going off the ground after throwing up here on Tuesday.
After the visitors were bowled out for 373 in their first innings on the fourth day, they came out fielding wearing anti-pollution masks.
Lakmal had bowled only three overs when he was seen vomiting on the field, prompting the physio to run to the field. After consultation, the pacer went off the ground.
Earlier on Sunday, the second session was marred by interruptions owing to complaints of air pollution.
Sri Lanka coach Nic Pothas said three cricketers–Lakmal, Lahiru Gamage and Dhananjay de Silva–had trouble breathing and vomited.
Meanwhile, the BCCI’s rotation policy might do what Sri Lankan team’s complaints of poor air quality could not– keep international cricket away from Delhi at least till 2020.Delhi’s viability as an international sports venue has been called into question after Sri Lankan players complained of breathing problems due to smog and continued to wear anti-pollution masks in the ongoing Test against India here.