IND vs SA: Why there will be tea before lunch during the Guwahati Test - Explained

The second India-South Africa Test in Guwahati will feature revised timings and a modified session schedule, with play starting 30 minutes earlier due to early sunset in the region. In a unique adjustment, tea will be taken before lunch for the match, which marks Guwahati's Test debut. The first Test of the series is set to be played in Kolkata.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, right, and India captain Shubman Gill shake hands during a practice session ahead of a first test match between India and South Africa, in Kolkata, India, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP)_

NEW DELHI: The second Test of the upcoming two-match series between India and South Africa, beginning November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, will be played with revised timings and a modified session schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has changed the timings because the North Eastern region experiences an early sunrise and sunset. Play on each of the five days will start 30 minutes earlier than usual. In a rare adjustment for a Test that is not a day-night match, the sequence of breaks will be different — players will take tea before lunch.

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As per the schedule in Guwahati, the toss will take place at 8:30am IST, with the opening session running from 9:00 to 11:00am. A 20-minute tea break will follow, before play resumes for the second session from 11:20 am to 1:20 pm. Lunch will then be served between 1:20 and 2:00 pm, with the final session to wrap up by 4:00 pm. The match will also be Guwahati’s first Test. The venue has hosted matches in the recent Women’s ODI World Cup and IPL 2025. The first Test of the series is set to be played at Kolkata's Eden Gardens from November 14-18 South Africa last won the Freedom Trophy at home in 2021-22, taking the series 2-1. On their previous tour of India in 2019, South Africa lost the series 0-3. Since South Africa’s return to international cricket in 1992, India and South Africa have played 17 Test series. South Africa have won eight series, India have won five, and four have ended in a draw. At home, South Africa have been dominant, winning seven of nine series, with two draws (2010-11 and 2023-24) denying India a single series win. India on the other hand have dominated the rivalry at home, winning five of eight, with South Africa’s only success coming in 1999-00.

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