Guwahati Test to Start with Tea Before Lunch

India vs South Africa: Guwahati Test to Start with Tea Before Lunch

India vs South Africa: BCCI adjusts session timings for India vs South Africa 2nd Test in Guwahati, with tea before lunch and an early 9 AM start, marking the city’s Test debut.

The second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati will follow a unique schedule. Because the sun rises and sets early in the northeast during winter, the BCCI has decided to switch the usual break timings. Players will have a tea break first, followed by lunch something normally seen only in day-night Tests.

This Test, starting on November 22, will be Guwahati’s first-ever red-ball match. The city recently hosted several games during the women’s ODI World Cup. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who is from Guwahati, confirmed that the match will begin half an hour earlier than usual. While the Kolkata Test starts at 9:30 am IST, the Guwahati Test will begin at 9:00 am IST.

The toss will take place at 8:30 am IST. The first session will run from 9:00 to 11:00 am, followed by a 20-minute tea break. Lunch will be served between 1:20 and 2:00 pm, and the final session will go on till 4:00 pm. If needed, play can be extended by another 30 minutes.

Saikia explained that having lunch at 11 am would be too early for the players, so the BCCI adjusted the timings. He said it was a practical move, as daylight fades quickly in the region and play after 4 pm becomes difficult.

The series kicks off this Friday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. For the toss, a special gold-plated coin will be used, featuring the logos of both BCCI and Cricket South Africa.