The first session of the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati will be followed by a tea break instead of the usual lunch interval. Generally, Test matches are played with a break for lunch being taken after the first session and a break for tea being taken after the second session. Nevertheless, due to the exceptional playing conditions in Assam, the people in charge have decided to change it around to be more efficient.
BCCI prompt schedule tweak
Usually, test matches in India start at 9:30 a.m. local time. However, the second Test at the Barsapara Stadium will begin 30 min earlier - at 9:00 a.m. IST due to the early sunrise and sunset in Assam. This move is intended to make sure that all 90 overs can be played in a day. As the game will start earlier, the tea break will be taken before lunch to allow more time for play during the daylight hours.
Officials have prepared for a 20-minute tea break at 11:00 a.m., as per the Express Sports report. "The reason for having an early tea is that Guwahati experiences an early sunset and there is an early start as well. This will be the first time we have decided to change the tea session as time will be saved to get extra game time on the field," a BCCI source was saying.
Revised session timings for IND vs SA 2nd Test
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – First session
11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – Tea break
11:20 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. – Second session
1:20 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Lunch break
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Third session
By swapping the breaks, organisers hope to make the most of daylight and reduce interruptions from bad light later in the day, a smart precaution given Guwahati’s early sunset during this time of year.
