Why the Guwahati Test is Flipping Tradition: The Tea-Before-Lunch Story
Get ready for a cricket first! For the very first time in the long and storied history of Test cricket, players will break for tea before lunch. This isn’t a typo or a quirky fan theory—it’s the official schedule for the second India vs. South Africa Test in Guwahati. But what on earth is behind this head-scratching switch? The answer lies in the unique geography and climate of India’s northeastern region.
The Guwahati Test, marking the city’s debut on the international Test map, is forcing the BCCI to think outside the box to ensure a full day’s play. Let’s unravel the fascinating reason behind this unprecedented move.
Table of Contents
- The Guwahati Challenge: Early Sunsets
- The Official Schedule Change Explained
- A Historic First in Test Cricket
- What to Expect at the Barsapara Stadium
- Conclusion: Adapting to Nature’s Clock
- Sources
The Guwahati Challenge: Early Sunsets
The core reason for this schedule shake-up is simple physics and geography. Guwahati, located in the northeastern part of India, experiences significantly earlier sunrises and, crucially, earlier sunsets compared to the rest of the country .
During the winter months, when the Test is scheduled (November 22-26, 2025 ), daylight starts to fade as early as 4:30 PM local time. A standard Test match, which traditionally ends its day’s play around 5:00-5:30 PM, would constantly battle against failing light in the final session, leading to frequent and frustrating interruptions .
To combat this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to get creative. Their solution? Start the day earlier and re-arrange the breaks to maximise the available daylight hours.
The Official Schedule Change Explained
The BCCI has officially revised the session timings for the Guwahati Test to tackle this unique challenge . Here’s the breakdown of the new schedule:
- Start Time: The day’s play will begin at 9:00 AM IST, a full 30 minutes earlier than the standard 9:30 AM start for the first Test in Kolkata .
- First Session: Play will commence at 9:00 AM.
- First Break: Instead of a mid-morning drinks break followed by a long lunch, the first major break will be for tea .
- Second Break: The traditional lunch break will come *after* the tea break.
- Stumps: The aim is to finish the day’s play before the natural light becomes too poor for safe play .
As BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who himself hails from Guwahati, confirmed, this adjustment was a necessary step to ensure the smooth running of the historic match .
A Historic First in Test Cricket
This isn’t just a local adjustment; it’s a landmark moment for the sport globally. “This will be the first time we have [tea before lunch in a Test match],” confirmed sources close to the planning .
For over 140 years, the rhythm of a Test match day has been sacrosanct: play, lunch, play, tea, play. The Guwahati Test is about to rewrite that rulebook, demonstrating that even the most traditional of sports must adapt to its environment. It’s a brilliant example of how cricket’s governing bodies are finding practical solutions to host the game in new and diverse locations.
You can read more about how the ICC manages playing conditions across different venues on their official playing conditions page.
What to Expect at the Barsapara Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore have hosted many such scheduling challenges, but this is the Barsapara Cricket Stadium’s first rodeo with a Test match . Hosting its inaugural Test is a massive honour for Guwahati and the entire northeastern region.
Fans can expect a vibrant and passionate atmosphere, but they should also plan their day around this new schedule. Gates will likely open earlier, and local vendors will be serving traditional Assamese breakfasts and, of course, plenty of tea, right from the morning!
For a full preview of the series, check out our detailed guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-vs-south-africa-2025-preview].
Conclusion: Adapting to Nature’s Clock
The decision to have tea before lunch during the Guwahati Test is far more than a quirky headline. It’s a smart, practical, and respectful adaptation to the natural environment of a region that is finally getting its moment on cricket’s biggest stage.
This move by the BCCI not only ensures a full and fair day of cricket but also sets a precedent for how the game can be successfully taken to every corner of the country, regardless of geographical challenges. So, when you tune in on November 22nd, remember: you’re not just watching a cricket match; you’re witnessing a piece of history in the making.