Sri Lanka struggle in thick Delhi smog

Play was halted for more than 10 minutes in the third Test in New Delhi on Sunday after Sri Lanka lodged an apparent protest at hazardous pollution levels inside the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

With India skipper Virat Kohli pasting the tourists' attack in a marathon double-century, captain Dinesh Chandimal was among multiple Sri Lanka players to don face masks after lunch on day two.

India's capital has been blanketed by thick smog in recent weeks as pollution has risen to historically high levels. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the city's top elected official, recently likened the capital to a "gas chamber".

Crop burning in neighbouring regions and heavy traffic are among the main reasons for the intense smog.

In the second session, what appeared to be a plea from a member of the Sri Lankan medical staff to stop play due to the hazy conditions was denied by on-field officials Nigel Llong and Joel Wilson.

Chandimal stepped in to protest as an extended break in play ensued. He engaged in animated discussions with his counterpart Kohli, who was unbeaten on 240 with India 5-519 and seemingly unfazed by the debate.

Following a discussion with another medical staff member, match referee and former Australia batsman David Boon - sitting in the stands - seemed to have a lengthy chat with umpires over their radio before it was decided that play would continue.

After Kohli was trapped lbw for 243, India coach Ravi Shastri strode out onto the field during another brief interval to engage in lively discussions with umpires.

And during yet another break in the action - which television commentators speculated was due to the visitors running out of substitute fielders as their first XI left the field for treatment  - Sri Lanka's coach Nic Pothas walked onto the field to continue the protest.

Perhaps fearing that play would be suspended, that prompted Kohli to signal from the dressing room to declare their first innings closed.

With the visitors forced to toil for more than 127.5 overs as India built their lead over the first two days of the Test, the likes of fast bowler Suranga Lakmal - who bowled more than 20 overs across the first four sessions of the match - had shown visible signs of distress.

Lakmal had earlier been sick on the outfield, while quick Lahiru Gamage – during his 26th over – left the field as he appeared to struggle with the conditions.

Some members of Sri Lanka's coaching staff were also seen wearing masks in the team's viewing area.

In November last year, a Ranji Trophy first-class match was called off at the same Delhi venue due to overwhelming levels of air pollution.