In an interesting twist for the upcoming India vs South Africa Test series, the second Test match, which will be held in Guwahati, will feature a unique schedule due to the early sunrise and sunset in the region. This change will see the match starting 30 minutes earlier than usual, at 9:00 AM, and players will be taking Tea before Lunch, a first in Indian Test cricket history.
Early Start and Revised Tea Break
The decision to begin the match earlier and adjust the traditional breaks has been agreed upon by both teams. According to an Indian Express report, the main reason behind the change is the early sunset in Guwahati, which necessitates an earlier start to maximize playtime during daylight hours.
For the second Test in Guwahati, the schedule has been tweaked to accommodate this change. Players will take a 20-minute Tea break from 11:00 AM to 11:20 AM, followed by a 1-hour and 20-minute lunch break at 1:20 PM. Play will conclude at 4:00 PM, with the usual 30-minute extension if required to complete 90 overs.
A Historic Shift in the Tea and Lunch Routine
This revision of the traditional schedule marks a significant departure from the standard Test match routine in India. Normally, the Tea break comes after Lunch, but in Guwahati, players will have their Tea before the break for lunch. This has been done to make the most of the available daylight and give both teams a chance to play as many overs as possible.
Interestingly, the concept of having Tea before Lunch is not entirely new. It has been implemented in day/night Tests in Australia, where players typically take a 20-minute Tea break before a longer, 40-minute Dinner break. However, this will be the first time this scheduling style is seen in a regular Test match in India.
Conclusion
The India vs South Africa Test series promises to offer more than just exciting cricket on the field; with the unique schedule in Guwahati, fans will witness a rare but practical change in the traditional format of Test cricket. With early starts and revised breaks, the players are set to adapt to the local conditions to ensure a full day’s play. The second Test, scheduled to begin on November 22, will be a true test of flexibility and innovation in cricket scheduling.
