Historic Scheduling Change for Guwahati Test Match
Cricket fans are set to witness an unprecedented event as the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati prepares to host its first-ever Test match. In a remarkable departure from tradition, the second Test between India and South Africa will feature the Tea break occurring before the Lunch interval. This unusual scheduling decision aims to combat the early onset of darkness in India's northeastern region.
Why the Session Order Has Been Flipped
The standard Test match start time in India is typically 9:30 AM, but the Guwahati match will begin 30 minutes earlier at 9 AM. While matches have occasionally started at 8:30 AM to compensate for lost overs, this marks the first instance in cricket's 148-year history where the Lunch break will follow the Tea interval. The primary reason behind this change lies in Guwahati's geographical location.
Located in the far eastern part of India, Guwahati experiences earlier sunset times compared to other cricket venues across the country. The city lies at approximately 90°E longitude, significantly ahead of the Indian Standard Time meridian at 82.5°E. Despite following the same time zone as the rest of India, this geographical positioning results in earlier sunrise and sunset, creating challenges for day-night cricket matches.
Complete Session Timings and Break Schedule
The official schedule for the India vs South Africa second Test has been carefully structured to maximize playing time:
- First session: 9 AM to 11 AM
- Tea break: 11 AM to 11:20 AM
- Second session: 11:20 AM to 1:20 PM
- Lunch break: 1:20 PM to 2 PM
- Third session: 2 PM to 4 PM
Match officials have the authority to extend play by 30 additional minutes at the day's end to ensure the full quota of 90 overs is completed, provided sufficient natural light remains. This contingency plan offers flexibility to accommodate any potential delays while maintaining the match's competitive integrity.
This innovative approach to scheduling demonstrates cricket's adaptability to regional geographical conditions while preserving the traditional structure of the game. The historic nature of this arrangement adds an extra layer of significance to Guwahati's debut as a Test match venue, marking a new chapter in Indian cricket history.
