Tea Break Time in Test Cricket can be simply described as a 20-minute long break for the players. This break is given to the cricketers before the Final Session of a Test match. Its purpose is to give the players some rest between a long cricket game.
Indeed, the Tea Break has a lot of historical and technical significance. It used to be a tradition during the early days of cricket. With the evolution, it got blended into modern cricket seamlessly. Staying tuned is highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about this Tea Break for cricketers during a Test match.
What is the Tea Break Time? Why is it significant in Test Cricket?
As the name suggests, it is simply a short break. The cricket players can enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or anything that they prefer. This break gives them time to recollect their thoughts/strategies, discuss gameplay with teammates, do some stretching, rest, or drink a beverage.
As you may know, a test cricket match lasts for a total of 6 hours in a day. The cricketers cannot play continuously without any break. For the same reason, the match gets divided into three sessions. Cricketers get a lunch break after the first session which lasts for 40 minutes. After the second session and before the final session, cricketers are provided with this 20-minute tea break.
Tea Break Time – History & Evolution
This tea break that depicts the end of the 2nd season of a test match is not just a simple break. It has a lot of traditional value which has made it a permanent practice during test cricket. The origin of cricket sport happened in England and at the time the concept of these tea breaks took place. Tea plays a critical role in British culture and it got blended into cricket over time. Cricket-playing nations around the world sharing this old tradition means a lot for the sport.
Test Matches went through many evolutions but the tea breaks have been established deep. An old cricket tradition still being respected and followed in the sport is valuable. Many different kinds of cricket-related organizations such as ICC are known to formally recognize these tea breaks. Meanwhile, this traditional break is also very beneficial for cricket players during test matches. Lastly, the tea break further established the fact that cricket is a sport for gentlemen. It showcases the values of culture and sportsmanship.
Test Match Sessions & Duration of the Breaks
All of the three sessions of a test match and two breaks take place between 6 hours. The scheduling of these sessions and breaks is handled carefully. This is to make things convenient and healthy for players. Playing continuously can be harmful to their physical health, which is why these breaks are established in place to ease up the pressure. The cricketers can rest, exercise, enjoy tea etc. The First Session of a test match marks the initiation of the game.
Once the first session is completed, the players have a lunch break that is 40 minutes long. After having lunch, players come back to compete in the second session. The end of the second session is followed by the Tea Break. In this break, players have a total of 20 minutes to spend as they please. Mostly players relax during this time and sip on their favorite beverages. The final and last session of the test match begins after this tea break. In the end, the game is concluded for the day after 6 hours and 3 sessions.
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Absence of “Tea Break” in other cricket formats – ODI & T20I
Test cricket is unique and differs from other formats. Indeed, the traditional tea breaks are only blended with test cricket. The length of a test match allows modern cricket to adopt the tea break. There is no other format of cricket that lasts as long as a test match. For the same reason, multiple breaks are included for the convenience of cricketers.
In contrast, the ODI and T20I formats of cricket are considerably short. That is why there are no tea breaks or multiple breaks. Instead, the players are allowed to have much shorter intervals or breaks in comparison. And, these breaks in ODI and T20 are referred to as Drinks break or mid-inning intervals.
Benefits of the Tea Break in Cricket
- Players are allowed to use this break for discussing strategies and planning.
- They can even analyze what has happened in the game so far and approach the final session.
- A huge advantage of this break is that cricketers can rest for a short interval of time before playing again. Certainly, the gameplay tends to require a lot of mental focus and physical effort. For the same reason, cricketers must give their bodies some rest.
- Even the fans get a break from spectating the gameplay and can have discussions of their own.
Conclusion
The traditional significance of Tea Break in test cricket spans across the world. However, it especially has a strong presence in England, Australia, and India. As you may know, Indians also have a rich culture of tea i.e., referred to as Chai. Indian fans in the stadium even accompany cricketers during a tea break by drinking Chai. In the future, this tea break is believed to be still relevant during test cricket encounters.
FAQs
Where did the concept of this tea break originate from?
England (During the initial days of cricket)
Is there a tea break in ODI cricket matches?
No, the players are offered much shorter breaks instead.
When is the tea break provided?
The players get a tea break after the 2nd session is concluded.
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