Explained: History Of Lunch Break In Test Cricket

Virat Kohli during kunch break in a Test series [x] Virat Kohli during kunch break in a Test series [x]

Test cricket, the oldest form of the game is played for a duration of 5-days. There are a total of three sessions each day, and it is divided in such a way that players get ample rest after playing for a certain duration.

The sessions are separated by Lunch and Tea Breaks, as players get tired after toiling hard for almost two hours on the field. The lunch break is taken for 40-minutes, while the tea break is just for 20-minutes. Sometimes, a lunch or a tea break is taken early if a wicket falls just before the end of the session. This is to save time incase the game is halted by any type of delay.

The history of Lunch breaks in Tests: The invention by the Britishers

The game of cricket was popularised by the English team and hence, all the laws pertaining to the sport were written by the Marylebone Cricket Club. As per the earlier rules, Cricket was touted as the gentleman's game, and was only played by the gentlemen from the Royal Upper-Class. Hence, the lunch and tea breaks were added to bring leisure to their day while playing.

What goes on during Lunch breaks?

After a gruelling session, both the participating teams return back to their dressing room for a 40-minute break. In the 1990s, cricketers would focus on eating food which satisfied their stomach, such as Sandwiches, Porks, and every other delicious dish. However, time has changed now.

With the game advancing today, players concentrate on maintaining a healthy diet, and every international teams have a nutritionist, who design the food menu according to the needs of every player.

The Lunch break also provides a chance for the players to get charged up, and take hot-water bath for relaxation. The break is also important for the coaches to design tactical plans to outclass the opponent.

What does India's schedule during a Test match day looks like?

In India, a Test match starts at 9:30 AM in the morning, and the first session goes on till 11:30 AM. From 11:30 to 12:10, a 40-minute lunch break is taken so that the players can get the necessary refreshments.

The second session starts at 12:10 PM, and goes uptil 2:10 PM, followed by a 20-minute Tea Break. Following which, the teams play for another 2 hours, typically from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, before the play ends.