India vs South Africa Test in Guwahati to feature major timing change for first time since 1877
Shubman Gill is set to captain the Indian team in the upcoming series, which also includes the return of vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a toe injury. Pant showed off his fitness in India A’s four-day match against South Africa A.
The second Test between India and South Africa, starting on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, will make international cricket history by reversing the traditional meal break order. For the first time since the first Test match in 1877, the players will take a tea break before lunch.
The unprecedented schedule change, approved by the BCCI and Cricket South Africa, is a practical measure arising from Guwahati’s unique geographical location. Since the city is located in the far eastern region of India, the sunrise is early and more importantly, the sunset is also early; usually before 5pm in late November.
New program to maximize daylight
To maximize playing time and ensure the entire 90-over quota is played under natural light, the match will start at 9 am IST, half an hour before the standard start time of Tests in India.
The revised schedule is as follows:
First Session: 09:00 – 11:00
Tea Break: 11:00 – 11:20 (20 minutes)
Second Session: 11:20 – 13:20
Lunch Break: 13:20 – 14:00 (40 minutes)
Last Session: 14:00 – 16:00
India’s South Africa series squad
Adding to the excitement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also announced the 15-man squad for the two-match series, which sees the much-anticipated return of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant following his recovery from injury.
The return of Pant along with the inclusion of young talents such as Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel and the absence of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami signals that the selectors are focused on building a solid, next-gen Test unit. All eyes will now be on Guwahati to see whether this historic change in programming will become a template for Test cricket in venues facing similar environmental challenges.
India’s South Africa Series Test Team: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Keeper, Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.
Also read| IND vs SA: Rishabh Pant returns as BCCI announces India’s 15-man squad for South Africa Test series
