Tea would be taken after the first session in Guwahati Test.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has explained the move to swap the 20-minute ‘Tea’ and 40-minute ‘Lunch’ breaks for the second India versus South Africa Test, scheduled to be played in Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium from November 22-26.
Saikia confirmed that Tea would be taken after the first session while Lunch would be taken between the second and third session, in complete contrast to the traditions of the format. He called it a ‘practical decision’ in sync with the conditions in Guwahati.
Notably, Guwahati sees early sunrise and sunset. The Test will, thus, get underway at 9 AM IST, half an hour before the usual timings. The play will go up to 4 PM IST, with an extension available till 4:30 pm, if natural light allows.
Saikia argued that it would have been too early for players to take lunch at 11 AM with a 9 PM start.
“It is a practical decision," Saikia told ESPNcricinfo. “In winters, sunrise and sunset are very early here in north-east India. By 4pm the (day)light recedes and you can’t play much after. Because of that we have decided to start early, so play will start at 9 am."
The longer 40-minute break from 1:20 PM onwards will allow the players to have their meal during the day’s play in Guwahati.
Interestingly, the first Test of the series, slated to be held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14-18 will follow the usual timings for the day’s play and breaks.