Tea before Lunch? New timings announced for India vs South Africa 2nd Test in Guwahati

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In an unprecedented move in the history of Test cricket, the second Test match of the upcoming India vs South Africa series will feature a unique break schedule at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. For the first time ever, the traditional sequence of lunch before tea will be reversed, with tea being served before lunch during match days.

This historic shift in timing is primarily because of the early sunrise and sunset times in the northeastern region of India. The decision was jointly taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa to maximize playing time under local conditions. The match will commence early at 9 AM, with the first session running from 9 AM to 11 AM. This will be followed by a tea break from 11 AM to 11:20 AM.

The second session of the day will then last from 11:20 AM to 1:20 PM, followed by a lunch break from 1:20 PM to 2 PM. The final session will be played from 2 PM to 4 PM. Traditionally, Test matches in India start at 9:30 AM, with lunch from 11:30 AM to 12:10 PM and tea at around 2:10 PM, with the last session extending until 4:30 PM or later. However, Guwahati’s early sunset and sunrise, typical of the northeastern longitude, necessitate this adjustment to save time and allow for extra game time on the field.

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This scheduling also aligns with the BCCI’s existing practice for Ranji Trophy matches held in Guwahati, where tea is taken before lunch due to similar climatic and daylight considerations. According to The Indian Express report, this altered timing is a thoughtful departure from long-standing cricketing tradition to accommodate local daylight restrictions and ensure that the day’s play is not compromised. The first-ever Test match in Guwahati will thus make cricketing history by reordering the breaks and ensuring that teams get maximum playtime, signaling the board’s adaptive approach to international Test scheduling.

The second Test will be played from November 22 to 26 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, marking Guwahati’s debut as a Test cricket venue. This change highlights the flexibility cricket boards now consider essential to maintaining the quality and quantity of play across diverse geographic locations. Fans and cricket enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing this historic first as India host South Africa in a Test match that breaks the traditional ritual of lunch before tea, offering a new chapter in the annals of Test cricket.

Overall, the new schedule reflects not only a rare break from tradition but also a practical solution tailored to environmental factors, sanctioned by both the BCCI and Cricket South Africa, ensuring a smooth and competitive contest under unique circumstances.

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