South Africa's star batter Aiden Markram doesn't buy the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) unique scheduling decision for the second Test at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, which involves taking the tea break before lunch. Right ahead of the second Test, which is slated to be played from November 22, Markram was asked about the changed schedule, who which he made it clear that he is not a fan of the change, believing that Test cricket should uphold its established timings and traditions, and hoping this particular alteration 'doesn't become a common thing'.
Hopefully, it doesn’t become a common thing: Aiden Markram on 'Tea before Lunch' schedule in Guwahati Test
The unusual scheduling was implemented because the match is being held in Assam, a North-Eastern state where the sun sets earlier than in most parts of India. To maximize daylight, play will begin at 9:00 am IST, a half-hour earlier than the standard 9:30 am start time. Consequently, the first break will be a 20-minute tea interval from 11:00 am to 11:20 am, instead of the usual 40-minute lunch break. Devajit Saikia, the BCCI secretary who hails from Assam, explained that the switch was made because taking the lunch break at 11:00 am was deemed to be too early.
“It’s interesting. I’m not the biggest fan of it, to be honest. I think Test cricket should always start at 10 a.m. with lunch followed by tea. But those are the cards you’re dealt, and you just get on with it. It’ll be something different to experience, but hopefully, it doesn’t become a common thing," Markram told JioStar’s Follow The Blues.
Sai Sudharsan thinks otherwise
Conversely, Team India remains unperturbed by the unique 'tea before lunch' concept. Embracing a calm, process-driven mindset, the team has ensured that the timing tweak has not disrupted their overall preparation strategy. They view this adjustment as simply another variable in Test cricket—a format that inherently demands adaptation to fluctuating elements such as pitch behavior, weather conditions, and evolving match situations.
The Indian players, particularly the younger contingent, appear to be taking the shift in stride. They are appreciating the novelty of the situation while maintaining a singular focus on executing their game plans. Notably, India’s Sai Sudharsan offered a light-hearted perspective on the schedule change, reflecting the team's generally relaxed attitude toward the logistical adjustment.
“I don’t mind having tea before lunch, I already drink tea during lunch, so I’ll probably enjoy it. Of course, it’s new, but we’ll get used to it. It’s exciting to explore," Sudharsan said.