Lunch time in test cricket is one of the most important breaks during a day’s play, giving players a chance to rest, eat, and plan their strategy for the remaining sessions. Unlike T20 or ODI cricket where matches finish in a few hours, Test cricket is played over five days with each day lasting about six hours, making breaks necessary for players to maintain their energy and focus. Understanding lunch time in test cricket and all the session timings helps you follow matches better and also makes betting on Test cricket with RP Exchange more enjoyable.
The tradition of lunch time in test cricket dates back to the sport’s earliest days when English gentlemen would stop for a proper midday meal during multi-day matches. Today, these breaks remain an essential part of Test cricket, with specific rules about timing, duration, and flexibility.
What is Lunch Time in Test Cricket?
Lunch time in test cricket is the first major break of the day, taken after the morning session ends. It’s called “lunch” for day matches but is known as “dinner” in day-night Test matches that start in the afternoon.
The lunch time in test cricket serves multiple purposes:
- Gives players time to rest after two hours of intense cricket
- Allows teams to eat a meal and rehydrate
- Provides opportunity for captains and coaches to discuss strategy
- Lets players recover physically and mentally for the next session
When Does Lunch Happen?
Lunch time in test cricket is typically taken two hours after the start of play. If a match starts at 11:00 AM, lunch would be around 1:00 PM. However, the exact timing can change based on several factors.
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How Long is the Lunch Break in Test Cricket?
The official duration of lunch time in test cricket is 40 minutes. This is standardized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and applies to all international Test matches.
| Break Type | Duration | When Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch Break | 40 minutes | After 1st session (2 hours) |
| Tea Break | 20 minutes | After 2nd session (2 hours) |
| Drinks Break | 5 minutes | Mid-session (every hour) |
The 40-minute lunch time in test cricket is longer than the tea break (20 minutes) because it’s meant to be a proper meal break where players can have substantial food, unlike tea which is just a short refreshment pause.
Why 40 Minutes?
- Players need time to walk off the field, remove gear, and settle down
- Sufficient time for eating a proper meal
- Allows for team meetings and tactical discussions
- Provides adequate rest without disrupting match flow too much
- Players need to change if required and return to the field ready
Complete Test Cricket Session Timings
A full day of Test cricket is divided into three main sessions separated by lunch time in test cricket and tea break. Here’s the standard structure:
Standard Day Test Match Schedule
| Session | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Session | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 2 hours |
| Lunch Break | 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM | 40 minutes |
| Afternoon Session | 1:40 PM – 3:40 PM | 2 hours |
| Tea Break | 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM | 20 minutes |
| Evening Session | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 2 hours |
| Extra Time | 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Up to 30 minutes (if needed) |
The total playing time per day is 6 hours, with teams required to bowl a minimum of 90 overs. If the fielding team doesn’t complete 90 overs, play extends beyond 6:00 PM until the overs are done.
Indian Test Match Timings
When Test matches are played in India, the lunch time in test cricket schedule is slightly different due to local start times:
| Session | Timing (IST) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Session | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 2 hours |
| Lunch Break | 11:30 AM – 12:10 PM | 40 minutes |
| Afternoon Session | 12:10 PM – 2:10 PM | 2 hours |
| Tea Break | 2:10 PM – 2:30 PM | 20 minutes |
| Evening Session | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 2 hours |
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Day-Night Test Match Timings
In day-night Test matches played with pink balls, the lunch time in test cricket is replaced by a “dinner break” because these matches start in the afternoon:
| Session | Timing | Break |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon Session | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Start |
| Dinner Break | 3:30 PM – 4:10 PM | 40 minutes |
| Evening Session | 4:10 PM – 6:10 PM | Play |
| Tea/Refreshment Break | 6:10 PM – 6:30 PM | 20 minutes |
| Night Session | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | End |
The break is still 40 minutes long, just called “dinner” instead of “lunch” to reflect the actual time of day.
Understanding Tea Break in Test Cricket
While lunch time in test cricket is 40 minutes, the tea break is much shorter at just 20 minutes. Here’s what you need to know:
Tea Break Details
Duration: 20 minutes
Timing: Taken after the afternoon session (around 2 hours after lunch)
Purpose: Quick refreshment and strategy discussion
Food: Light snacks, fruits, energy drinks, tea/coffee
The tea break in lunch time in test cricket context is the second interval of the day and is shorter because it’s meant to be just a refreshment pause, not a full meal. Players use this time to hydrate, eat light snacks, and make quick tactical adjustments for the final session.
Drinks Breaks During Sessions
Besides lunch time in test cricket and tea break, there are also drinks breaks during each session:
Frequency: Every hour (approximately after 12-15 overs)
Duration: 5 minutes
When: Mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and mid-evening sessions
Purpose: Quick hydration and fielding position changes
These drinks breaks are much shorter than lunch time in test cricket but help players stay hydrated, especially in hot conditions.
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Rules About Lunch Time in Test Cricket
The lunch time in test cricket follows specific ICC rules that can be adjusted based on match situations:
Standard Lunch Rules
Fixed Duration: Always 40 minutes unless special circumstances
Timing Flexibility: Can be taken early or delayed if captains and umpires agree
Innings End Rule: If an innings ends within 10 minutes of scheduled lunch time in test cricket, the break is taken immediately
Weather Adjustments: Timing can change if play is interrupted by rain or bad light
Mutual Agreement: Any change to lunch time in test cricket requires agreement between both captains and match umpires
What Players Do During Lunch
During the 40-minute lunch time in test cricket break:
Batsmen at the Crease: Usually eat lighter meals to maintain energy without feeling heavy
Out Batsmen: Can have more substantial meals
Bowlers: Focus on recovery, stretching, and light nutrition
Fielders: Rest, rehydrate, and discuss fielding strategies
Coaches: Meet with captains to review first session and plan for afternoon
Why Lunch Time Matters in Test Cricket
Understanding lunch time in test cricket is important for several reasons:
Physical Recovery
Test cricket requires players to be on the field for up to 6 hours per day over 5 days. The lunch time in test cricket provides essential rest for:
- Batsmen who’ve been concentrating intensely
- Bowlers who’ve been running in repeatedly
- Fielders who’ve been standing and moving for 2 hours
- Wicketkeepers in their strenuous squatting position
Strategic Planning
The lunch time in test cricket allows teams to:
- Analyze the morning session performance
- Adjust bowling plans based on pitch behavior
- Plan batting approach for different situations
- Review video footage of dismissals or near-misses
- Make tactical substitutions if needed
Mental Refresh
The psychological break that lunch time in test cricket provides helps players:
- Reset mentally after intense pressure
- Prepare for the next phase of play
- Build or maintain confidence
- Handle match situations better
Betting on Test Cricket Sessions with RP Exchange
Understanding lunch time in test cricket and session timings helps you make smarter bets with RP Exchange:
- Instant Cricket ID – Get your verified betting ID within minutes through WhatsApp
- Session Betting – Bet on which team will score more in each session
- Live Betting – Place bets during play with changing odds
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Session Betting Strategies
When betting on lunch time in test cricket matches with RP Exchange:
- Morning Session – Fresh bowlers and hard ball often favor bowling
- Post-Lunch Session – Batsmen often settle in after the break
- Evening Session – Tired fielders and old ball can favor batting
- Before Breaks – Batsmen often play cautiously approaching lunch or tea
Conclusion
Lunch time in test cricket is a vital 40-minute break that happens after the first two hours of play each day. This tradition continues from cricket’s early days, giving players time to rest, eat, strategize, and prepare for the remaining sessions. Understanding lunch time in test cricket along with the 20-minute tea break and drinks breaks helps you appreciate the structure and rhythm of five-day Test matches.
The timing of lunch time in test cricket typically falls around 1:00 PM for matches starting at 11:00 AM, but can be adjusted based on weather delays, innings endings, or other circumstances with agreement between captains and umpires. In day-night Tests, this same 40-minute break is called “dinner” because it occurs in the afternoon rather than midday.
Test cricket’s session structure with its lunch time in test cricket, tea break, and drinks breaks creates natural divides in the game that affect player performance, team strategies, and match momentum. These breaks aren’t just routine stoppages – they’re strategic elements where matches can shift, plans change, and teams regroup.
For cricket fans and bettors using RP Exchange, knowing about lunch time in test cricket and session timings helps you understand when to expect breaks, how teams might approach different sessions, and which betting markets offer the best value. Whether you’re watching your favorite team or betting on Test matches, the 40-minute lunch break is an essential part of cricket’s longest and most traditional format!
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FAQs
How long is lunch time in Test cricket?
Lunch time in Test cricket lasts for 40 minutes. It is taken after the first session of play, which typically runs for 2 hours.
When is lunch taken in a Test match?
Lunch is usually taken around 1:00 PM if the match starts at 11:00 AM. It comes after approximately 2 hours of play, though exact timing can vary based on local start times and match situations.
How long is the tea break in Test cricket?
The tea break in Test cricket is 20 minutes long, which is half the duration of the lunch break. It is taken after the afternoon session.
What is the difference between lunch and dinner break in Test cricket?
In day-night Test matches, the first break is called "dinner" instead of "lunch" because it occurs in the afternoon rather than midday. Both breaks are 40 minutes long.
Can lunch timing be changed in Test cricket?
Yes, lunch timing can be adjusted if play is interrupted by weather, if an innings ends near the scheduled time, or if captains and umpires mutually agree to change it.
How many breaks are there in a Test cricket day?
There are two major breaks - lunch (40 minutes) and tea (20 minutes) - plus drinks breaks that occur roughly every hour during play.
What do players eat during lunch in Test cricket?
Active batsmen and fielders usually eat lighter meals to maintain energy without feeling heavy, while other players can have more substantial meals. The focus is on nutrition and hydration.
How many overs are bowled before lunch in Test cricket?
Approximately 30 overs are bowled in the morning session before lunch, though this can vary based on over rate and match conditions.
Is there extra time after the evening session in Test cricket?
Yes, if the fielding team hasn't completed the required 90 overs in a day, play can extend up to 30 minutes beyond the scheduled close.
Can I bet on Test cricket sessions with RP Exchange?
Yes, RP Exchange offers comprehensive Test cricket betting including session betting, live odds, multiple markets, instant cricket ID creation, and 24/7 WhatsApp support.