Historic change in Test cricket

According to The Indian Express, the BCCI and Cricket South Africa have jointly decided to tweak the session timings due to the unique daylight conditions in India’s eastern region, where the sun rises and sets earlier than in most other parts of the country.

New session timings for the Guwahati Test

As per the revised schedule:

• First session: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Tea break: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM

• Second session: 11:20 AM – 1:20 PM

• Lunch break: 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM

• Final session: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This adjustment aims to make better use of available daylight and ensure a full day’s play without extending into fading light conditions.

How it differs from the usual schedule

Typically, Test matches in India begin at 9:30 AM, with a Lunch break at 11:30 AM and a Tea break around 2:10 PM, followed by play until 4:30 PM (with a possible 30-minute extension to complete 90 overs).

BCCI already tested this in domestic cricket

The BCCI had earlier implemented similar timing changes during Ranji Trophy matches held in eastern venues, adapting to the early sunset pattern. The move for the Guwahati Test marks the first-ever instance in international Test history where Tea will precede Lunch, signaling a significant yet practical change in cricket’s long-standing tradition.

India last played a Test series against the West Indies in Delhi, where they completed a clean sweep.