The second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati is facing a unique challenge: the setting sun. With Guwahati located in the far eastern reaches of India, daylight hours are significantly shorter, posing a logistical puzzle for match officials.
Guwahati's Race Against the Sun
Sunset is expected as early as 4:30 pm, threatening to curtail play. To combat this, officials have implemented an unusual schedule adjustment. The match will begin at 9:00 am, a half-hour earlier than usual, and the traditional lunch and tea breaks have been reversed. Players will now take tea before lunch, a rare occurrence for a Test match in India.
Guwahati's geographical location at around 90°E longitude means it experiences sunrise and sunset much earlier than cities like Mumbai or Delhi, which adhere to the same Indian Standard Time (IST).
Revised Match Schedule
- First Session: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
- Tea Break: 11:00 am - 11:20 am
- Second Session: 11:20 am - 1:20 pm
- Lunch Break: 1:20 pm - 2:00 pm
- Final Session: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
This adjusted schedule aims to maximize playing time and avoid interruptions due to fading light. Similar adjustments have been previously used in Ranji Trophy matches in eastern India. While the scheduling change adds an interesting dynamic, India's primary focus will be rectifying the issues that plagued them in Kolkata. Can they overcome both the Proteas and the setting sun?