Bolivian riot police clashed with anti-government protesters in La Paz on Friday (May 22, 2026) for the second time in a week as unions and Indigenous groups pressed their calls for President Rodrigo Paz to step down. Demands for the business-friendly conservative to resign have persisted despite
A fire broke out at an oil depot in the southern Russian port of Novorossiysk following a Ukrainian drone attack, the city's mayor said on Saturday (May 23, 2026). "As a result of falling UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) debris, a fire broke out at the oil depot
A newt dawn: Wknd talks to Whitley awardee Barkha Subba about her fight for salamandersThey walked among the dinosaurs. Now, they are in danger. There may be only 5,000 Himalayan salamanders left in the wild in India, Subba says. Published on: May 23
Indian woman praises China’s cleanliness, questions civic sense in India: ‘You won’t find a single wrapper’An Indian woman said China’s cleanliness proved civic sense mattered more than population. Published on: May 23, 2026 2:03 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link An
Nita Ambani left in splits as student slips Mumbai Indians joke into DAIS graduation speechA Mumbai Indians joke cracked by the head boy of the DAIS' 2026 graduating class left the entire auditorium, including Nita Ambani, laughing. Published on: May 23
India vs South Africa 2nd Test: BCCI Shifts Guwahati Timings
India vs South Africa 2nd Test: BCCI Shifts Guwahati Timings, Tea To Precede Lunch
BCCI adjusts session timings for India vs South Africa 2nd Test in Guwahati, with tea before lunch and an early 9 AM start, marking the city's Test debut.
In a rare and strategic move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reshaped the session timings for the second India vs South Africa Test in Guwahati. The decision comes in response to the early sunrise and sunset in the north-eastern region, ensuring maximum playtime and optimal conditions for both teams. Traditionally, tea follows lunch in day Tests, but for this match, players will take tea before lunch, a sequence usually reserved for day-night Tests.
Guwahati to Make Its Test Cricket Debut
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
The second Test, set to begin on November 22, 2025, will mark Guwahati's debut as a Test venue. The city recently hosted several matches during the Women's ODI World Cup, drawing large crowds and proving its capability to handle high-profile cricket events. This historic fixture adds another feather to the north-east's cricketing profile, bringing international red-ball cricket to a region known for its early morning sunlight and fast-fading winter evenings.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, a native of Guwahati, confirmed that the match will start half an hour earlier than usual, compared to standard red-ball Tests in India. “In winters, sunrise and sunset are very early here in north-east India. By 4 pm, the daylight recedes, and you can't play much after. Because of that, we have decided to start early, so play will start at 9 am,” Saikia said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
Revised Session Timings for the Guwahati Test
The toss in Guwahati is scheduled for 8:30 am IST, with the first session running from 9:00 to 11:00 am. A 20-minute tea break will follow, after which play resumes for the second session from 11:20 am to 1:20 pm. Lunch will then take place between 1:20 and 2:00 pm, with the final session concluding at 4:00 pm, with an optional extra half-hour if needed.
This unique scheduling ensures players are not subjected to an unusually early lunch, maintaining energy levels and competitive intensity. Such flexibility by the BCCI in Test match management highlights its commitment to player welfare while adapting to regional conditions—a move expected to benefit both teams in a physically demanding format.
Implications for India vs South Africa Series
The two-match India vs South Africa Test series began in Kolkata's Eden Gardens, where a special gold-plated coin featuring the BCCI and Cricket South Africa insignias was used for the toss. The Guwahati Test promises to be equally captivating, with both sides eager to assert dominance in unfamiliar conditions.
South Africa will face challenges adjusting to early starts and potential pitch conditions influenced by Guwahati's winter climate. Meanwhile, India, with the home advantage, is expected to leverage local familiarity and weather adaptability. Experts suggest that early session starts could favor bowlers exploiting morning conditions, while batsmen will need to adapt their timing and concentration.
A Practical Move by the BCCI
Swapping tea and lunch breaks might seem minor, but it reflects the BCCI's proactive approach to fixture planning. Such adjustments not only maximize playtime under natural light but also provide a better viewing experience for fans both in the stadium and on television. The decision is reminiscent of flexible scheduling often seen in day-night Tests but applied innovatively to a day Test scenario.
Saikia summed up the rationale: “It is a practical decision. By starting early and having tea before lunch, players can maintain rhythm and energy, ensuring the quality of cricket is not compromised.”
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: India’s 30-Year Home Record Under Threat After Batting Collapse In Guwahati Gauhati High Court approves Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor in Guwahati New trade map takes shape in Davos as world adjusts to Trump tariffs Shubman Gill’s Availability For 2nd Test Revealed As BCCI Shares Major Update India trail South Africa by 480 runs in 2nd Test Will Shubman Gill join 2nd Test against South Africa Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test Live Streaming Shubman Gill Set To Miss 2nd Test Vs South Africa BCCI Releases Nitish Kumar Reddy From Test Squad Ahead Of First Test
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who switched from the AAP to the BJP recently, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Committee on Petitions of the Upper House. After reconstituting the Committee on Petitions, Rajya Sabha chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan nominated 10 members of the house to the
7 hours ago
Mumbai, India’s gold demand is expected to contract by 50-60 tonnes this calendar year, around 10 per cent lower than the previous year, following the import duty hike, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). “Looking at 2026 as a whole, we estimate that combined jewellery and bar and coin
7 hours ago
India has issued a heightened health advisory for travellers arriving from several African nations after a fresh Ebola outbreak triggered global concern and prompted stricter surveillance measures worldwide. In response to a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
7 hours ago
Elon Musk is going all-in on an unproven technologyWhat lies behind the world’s biggest public offering Published on: May 23, 2026 2:24 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link IT IS A launch of a more bureaucratic sort than normal for SpaceX, but still characteristically spectacular. On May 20th
7 hours ago
Fisherman M Yuvaraj bustles about his fibreboat, filling fuel in the engine, and checking if everything is in order. He even throws in an umbrella in case it rains. It is almost 4pm when he pushes his boat close to the bank of Pulicat lake. The 57-year-old is not setting out on a fishing trip
7 hours ago
Kerala HM announces 'Operation Toofan' anti-narcotics campaignKerala HM announces 'Operation Toofan' anti-narcotics campaign Published on: May 23, 2026 2:24 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday announced a comprehensive statewide
7 hours ago
Mamata’s Lakshmir Bhandar gave Bengal women Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,700 a month based on category. Adhikari’s Annapurna Yojana scraps the categories and doubles it to a flat Rs 3,000. Bengal has a new scheme that is putting real money directly into women’s hands every month — and it is bigger than
7 hours ago
Leadership in Civil Engineering and Construction Management is not born in air-conditioned classrooms. It is shaped under the open sky, amid dust, deadlines, drawings, and decisions. For students aspiring to become civil engineers and construction managers
7 hours ago
French Open crisis deepens as top stars limit media duties in coordinated protest over revenue splitWomen's singles defending champion Coco Gauff answered only 10 questions in her pre-tournament press conference. Published on: May 23, 2026 2:32 PM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy
7 hours ago
Chopper crash near Leh: Injured major general poses, pilot flashes 'victory' sign in viral selfieAn Army Cheetah chopper crashed near Leh in eastern Ladakh last week. An image from the crash site is now viral. Updated on: May 23, 2026 2:36 PM IST By Rahul Singh Share via Copy link Three days after
7 hours ago
Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals face off in a crucial IPL clash, with playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Both teams need a win, but their fate also depends on other results. KKR's strong recovery contrasts with DC's reliance on KL Rahul
7 hours ago
Some of the most useful lessons I learnt as a young restaurateur came from New York restaurateur Danny Meyer’s book Setting the Table. He writes beautifully about the guest who comes in alone. Most diners come in with an agenda — to impress a date, close a deal
7 hours ago
The Union government told the Supreme Court on Friday that 217 Indian nationals had joined the Russian military during the war in Ukraine, of whom 139 have been released from their contractual agreements, The Hindu reported. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told a bench headed by Chief
7 hours ago
Hamza Burhan, a key operative linked to the Pakistan-backed terror outfit Al-Badr, who also worked as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) during the Pulwama terror attack period, was killed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Thursday. Several wanted Pakistan-based terrorists
7 hours ago
Nothing says summer quite like a chilled, fruity mocktail. As temperatures continue to rise, refreshing drinks packed with tropical flavours, citrusy notes, and vibrant ingredients are becoming the perfect way to cool down. Whether you are hosting a weekend brunch, planning a house party
7 hours ago
Producer Vashu Bhagnani has lashed out at David Dhawan and his actor-son Varun Dhawan. On Friday, Vashu held a press conference in Mumbai and claimed that the storyline of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is similar to Biwi No.1. Released in 1999
7 hours ago
Hyderabad, May 23 (PTI) A lawyer died after being hit by a car outside his residence here in a suspected case of pre-planned murder, police said on Saturday. The 63-year-old victim was about to get into his car when the car hit him at his residence at Masab Tank here.Hyderabad
7 hours ago
Raghav Chadha has been appointed the new chairman of the Committee on Petitions in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha chairman reconstituted the committee and nominated ten members. This appointment takes effect from May 20, 2026. Dr. Menaka Guruswamy has also been nominated to the Joint Committee on
7 hours ago
Formula 1’s silly season has arrived early, and we have Red Bull Racing boss Laurent Mekies to thank for it. The Frenchman doubled down on his explosive claim that Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is heading to McLaren to eventually become team principal
7 hours ago
The blue-collar town that’s set to decide Britain’s next Prime MinisterLabour left-winger Andy Burnham wants to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. First, he must convince the Makerfield voters and fend off Reform UK. Published on: May 23
7 hours ago
Human beings are not just shaped by their actions, but they are also creatures of circumstance. This is especially true in the sporting world, where athletes’ performance not only depends on their quality but also on who the rivals are, their prevailing standards of excellence and the setting in
7 hours ago
Do you have greasy flakes on nose and scalp? Dermatologist explains what you are doing wrongSeborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that manifests in the form of greasy flakes on the nose and scalp. Dr Abigail Waldman shares what to do. Updated on: May 23
7 hours ago
Investors just can’t get enough of stocks these daysWar, inflation and worries about the AI boom haven’t kept stocks from setting records. Published on: May 23, 2026 2:27 PM IST WSJ Share via Copy link Investors just can’t get enough of stocks these days
7 hours ago
Fuel prices have surged for the third time in eight days. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes the government, accusing it of "looting" citizens. He highlights international examples where countries provided relief. India's petrol and diesel prices have increased by nearly Rs 5 per litre
7 hours ago
Ballia (UP), May 23 (PTI) A court here has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for murdering his wife and dumping her body in a pond in 2019 after the couple remained childless, police said on Saturday. According to the prosecution, Nepal Paswan
7 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Sharara sets are the ultimate festive trend for Eid al-Adha: Choose from these picks under ₹3000From pastel embroidered sets to regal Banarasi shararas
10 hours ago
Tulsi Gabbard resigned as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence on Friday (May 22, 2026), saying she needed to step away as her husband battles cancer. She is the fourth Cabinet official to depart during Mr. Trump’s second term. In her resignation letter
10 hours ago
