NEW DELHI – In what is being called an unprecedented and historic decision, Test cricket will feature a revolutionary change to its long-standing schedule: the tea break will be taken before the lunch break.
This extraordinary adjustment will be trialed during the second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati, starting November 22. The decision was made with the mutual consent of both the Indian and South African cricket boards.
According to Indian media, the change is a practical solution to a logistical challenge. Guwahati, located in India’s eastern region, experiences much earlier sunrises and sunsets compared to other Indian cities. The primary goal of this schedule flip is to ensure the full 90 overs of play can be completed within natural daylight.
Under the new timetable, the match will begin at 9:00 AM, 30 minutes earlier than the traditional 9:30 AM start.
The new session timings will be as follows:
First Session: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tea Break: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM (20 minutes)
Second Session: 11:20 AM – 1:20 PM
Lunch Break: 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM (40 minutes)
Third Session: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This schedule ensures that the day’s play concludes before sunset.
