Tea Before Lunch: Historic First in India-SA Guwahati Test

By Harshit - Oct 30, 2025 05:48 PM
Last updated on Oct 30, 2025 05:48 PM

In a rare and unprecedented move, the upcoming India vs South Africa Test in Guwahati will see the traditional sequence of breaks turned on its head — with the tea break coming before lunch. This decision, taken by the BCCI and Cricket South Africa, aims to adapt to the early sunrise and sunset in Assam’s capital, ensuring maximum playtime in daylight hours. The match will begin earlier than usual at 9 AM, creating a new rhythm for both players and spectators.

Traditionally, Test cricket has always followed a set schedule — toss, first session, lunch, second session, tea, and finally stumps. But Guwahati’s unique geographical conditions have prompted the organisers to reverse the mid-day breaks. According to the revised plan, players will pause for a 20-minute tea break at 11 AM, followed by a 40-minute lunch break at 1:20 PM. This change not only marks a first in India’s cricketing history but also showcases the sport’s flexibility to adapt to regional and natural factors.

The Barsapara Stadium, which will host the second Test from November 22, is all set to witness this special arrangement. Sources within the BCCI confirmed that the decision was made after considering sunset timings and the need to complete 90 overs of play within natural light. “Guwahati witnesses early sunset, so shifting the tea break helps us save time and ensures a full day’s play,” an official explained.

Tea Before Lunch: A First in Test Cricket History

For the first time ever, Test cricketers will sip tea before they have lunch. The schedule at Barsapara Stadium will be unlike any seen before — the first session runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a short 20-minute tea break. The second session resumes at 11:20 AM and goes on till 1:20 PM, after which the players will take a 40-minute lunch break. The final session will then continue from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, aligning perfectly with Guwahati’s daylight window.

This change comes as a thoughtful move to maximize playtime and minimize delays due to early sunset. Guwahati, located in the northeastern part of India, experiences sunset earlier than most Indian cities, often before 4:30 PM in winter. Adjusting the session timings was seen as a practical solution to prevent the loss of overs and avoid reliance on floodlights.

The Logic Behind the New Schedule

Cricket administrators often tweak playing hours in different countries depending on local conditions. For instance, Tests in England start at 11 AM because of long summer days, while in India, matches usually begin at 9:30 AM. However, Guwahati’s early dusk has forced a rethink. “We’ve tried similar changes in the Ranji Trophy in the northeast region, and they’ve worked well,” a senior BCCI official said.

Here’s how the revised Guwahati Test schedule looks:

• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: First Session (2 hours of play)
• 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM: Tea Break (20 minutes)
• 11:20 AM - 1:20 PM: Second Session (2 hours of play)
• 1:20 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Break (40 minutes)
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Third Session (2 hours of play)

With this structure, the total playing window from 9 AM to 4 PM provides seven hours in total, out of which six hours are dedicated to cricket. The schedule ensures sufficient buffer time for completing 90 overs per day, keeping in mind the limited daylight.

How It Differs from the Traditional Format

Traditionally, the lunch break comes first — around 11:30 AM to 12:10 PM — followed by tea at 2:10 PM and stumps at 4:30 PM. But in Guwahati, this has been flipped to align with natural light availability. Such timing experiments are rare in international cricket, though domestic matches in Assam and other northeastern states have occasionally followed early schedules to counter early sunset.

This also marks a significant logistical challenge for broadcasters and players who are accustomed to a fixed routine. Early start times mean early warm-ups, breakfast, and preparation — a notable shift in how a Test day unfolds. Yet, both teams have reportedly welcomed the move as it ensures a complete day’s play without unnecessary interruptions.

Why Guwahati? The Science of Sunrise and Sunset

Guwahati, located at a longitude much farther east than most Indian cities, witnesses sunrise nearly an hour earlier than cities like Mumbai or Delhi. During winter, daylight starts fading around 4:30 PM. Without the adjusted schedule, Test matches risk losing overs due to poor visibility. Hence, the tea-before-lunch format is a scientific adaptation to geographical reality.

Barsapara Cricket Stadium, one of India’s newest international venues, has already faced similar daylight challenges during past matches. BCCI’s decision aims to make play more consistent and efficient for both players and fans watching in the stadium and on TV.

Reaction from Players and Officials

The decision has sparked curiosity and excitement in the cricket community. Former players have praised the flexibility shown by BCCI, calling it a “progressive experiment.” A few have humorously remarked that players might have to “train their stomachs” to adjust to the new order of meals.

Cricket South Africa officials have also expressed support, stating that player safety and full playtime are the top priorities. Match referees will closely monitor the success of this schedule, which could set a precedent for future games in regions with similar daylight patterns.

Could This Be the Future of Test Timings?

If successful, the “tea-before-lunch” format could inspire other Test-playing nations with early sunsets — such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and parts of Australia — to consider similar adjustments. While cricket is a sport steeped in tradition, the Guwahati Test highlights that adaptability is key to preserving the game’s essence amid changing conditions.

For now, fans eagerly await to witness this historic first, where players will take the field under a slightly different clock — one that starts earlier, breaks earlier, and perhaps, redefines what a perfect Test day looks like.

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