India-South Africa Test May Swap Lunch and Tea Breaks to Counter Early Sunset in Guwahati
The second Test between India and South Africa starting November 22 in Guwahati may swap the traditional lunch and tea breaks, with tea taken before lunch, to cope with early winter sunset and ensure uninterrupted play. The match will start at 9 am and finish by 4 pm, earlier than typical Indian Tests, adapting to local daylight conditions and minimizing visibility issues.
The second Test match of the India-South Africa series, scheduled at Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium from November 22, 2025, is likely to feature an unusual scheduling adjustment where the tea break occurs before lunch. Traditionally, Indian Test matches start at 9:30 am with lunch around 11:30 am and tea around 2:10 pm, but this match will start an hour earlier at 9 am and conclude at 4 pm instead of 4:30 pm, to accommodate the earlier sunset in this region during winter. The proposed arrangement would have the first session followed by a tea break from 11 am to 11:20 am, lunch from 1:20 pm to 2 pm, and then the final session until 4 pm. This change aims to reduce time lost to fading light and improve playing conditions, reflecting the unique climatic and geographical challenges of northeastern India. While the Assam Cricket Association has not yet received official confirmation, this adjustment would represent a practical deviation from traditional Test schedules, ensuring smoother continuity of play and enhancing the experience for players and spectators alike. The Barsapara Stadium continues to grow in prominence as a notable international cricket venue in India’s eastern frontier.
