Players resigned to playing in polluted Delhi
NEW DELHI : Although Sri Lanka made a big statement about the toxic air quality in Delhi on Sunday and India dismissed those concerns outright, there seemed to be a meeting point between the teams after a demanding third day’s play.
Former Sri Lanka skipper, Angelo Mathews, said his team was helpless about pollution and that it was up to the ICC to draw up parameters if the problem arises in future.
He felt the pollution was probably worse than it was the previous day. There were two stoppages on Sunday.
On Monday, play continued. Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal, who batted through the day, used an inhaler early in the day before continuing.
There were mini breaks for players to stay hydrated, and Murali Vijay was off the field for a while due to fever, but India bowled almost 86 overs.
“Look, it’s up to the ICC match referee and umpires to take the decision. We are here to play cricket,” Mathews told reporters.
“It’s (pollution) much the same, or a bit worse probably. You have got to deal with what you have for the next two days.”
Mathews seemed resigned to the conditions, perhaps mindful of rocking the ties between the two cricket boards. Should ICC step in? “Look, that’s once again up to the match referee to talk to the ICC. This was a unique occasion. We have never had this sort of things. I am sure the officials will address the issue.”
But the Delhi haze will not sour the atmosphere between the teams. “Not at all… It didn’t hamper the relationship of players on the field. Off the field we are friends and will remain the same,” Mathews added.
Mohammed Shami admitted the pollution made things tough, but insisted the conditions were not as bad as the Sri Lanka camp made it out to be on Sunday.
“See, I was a bit down even before yesterday. I was suffering from cold,” he said, having bowled 24 sharp overs of pace in the Sri Lanka innings.
“High level of pollution is not a good thing. But it wasn’t as bad as it was shown (by Sri Lankan players).
“Maybe, we are used to such conditions. It will be better if we can address issues that cause pollution.”