KEY POINTS
- The second Test in Guwahati will feature a tea break before lunch.
- The first Test in Kolkata will use a gold-plated coin for the toss.
ISLAMABAD: In a series of ground-breaking decisions, the second Test between India and South Africa, starting on November 22 in Guwahati, will feature an unconventional tea before lunch break.
This unique scheduling change, prompted by the region’s early sunrises and early sunsets, aims to make the most of limited daylight during the winter months, ensuring that players can complete their innings before the fading light interrupts play.
Meanwhile, the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (November 14) will kick off with a special gold-plated coin being used for the toss, adding a touch of tradition and innovation to the historic series.
This commemorative coin symbolizes the growing cricketing partnership between India and South Africa, setting the tone for an unforgettable series.
New Rhythm for Guwahati’s Debut Test
The schedule has been adjusted to 8:30 AM IST, half an hour earlier than usual, with the first session running from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Following the first session, there will be a 20-minute tea break, followed by lunch from 1:20 PM to 2:00 PM, later than usual.
The final session will wrap up by 4:00 PM, well before the region’s rapidly fading light makes further play impossible.
Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary and Guwahati native, explained the reasoning behind the decision: “In the winter months, both sunrise and sunset are much earlier here in the northeast.
By 4 PM, daylight is almost gone, and playing becomes impractical. This change in schedule ensures we make the best use of daylight, and it allows for a natural flow to the day’s play,” he said.
Guwahati’s Historic Test Match Debut
This Test match will mark Guwahati’s debut in the world of red-ball cricket, though the city has already made a name for itself by hosting key matches during the women’s ODI World Cup.
The northeastern city, known for its passionate cricket fans, now steps into the spotlight with its first-ever Test.
As the city gets ready to host its first men’s Test, the BCCI’s thoughtful scheduling adjustment is a step toward ensuring that the game continues smoothly without disruption.
The tea-before-lunch decision is an effort to avoid a potential issue that would arise if players broke for lunch too early after the first session.
This new structure will help maintain the natural rhythm of the match, providing both the players and fans a more balanced day of cricket.
Gold-Plated Coin: More Than Just Tradition
As if the unique schedule isn’t enough to make this Test unforgettable, a gold-plated coin will be used for the toss in the opening Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which kicks off on November 14.
This specially crafted coin, with the BCCI and Cricket South Africa insignias, is a powerful symbol of the deepening cricketing ties between the two nations and the historic nature of the series.
New Standard for the Northeast
This adjusted schedule may become the standard for future Test matches in regions like Guwahati, where the natural light poses a unique challenge to the regular format.
With Guwahati’s distinct daylight patterns, it’s possible that this experimental timing format could influence how cricket is played in other northeastern states of India.
With tea before lunch, a gold-plated toss, and the promise of a captivating contest between two of the world’s top cricketing nations, this Test series is poised to be more than just a sporting event.
