The game of cricket is tough. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. There are few examples in any other sport where a match can last five days, often in intense and gruelling conditions or rival the intensity of a 50 or 20 over game, where a relentless pace requires a high degree of stamina from players.

That is why it’s important that the game has a few in-built mechanisms that preserve player welfare and ensure that the time on the field is highly competitive. So what is Duration of Innings Break Time in T20, ODI,Test?

Innings breaks are one such way that players can transition from one aspect of the game to another, batting to bowling and vice versa, while taking a moment to rest, refuel and rehydrate.

ICC rules and regulations consider the different styles of play across formats, and the time it takes to complete matches and vary by format.

What is an innings break in cricket?

Simply put, it’s the time taken between the changing over of the bowling and batting sides.

Test Cricket Breaks and Rules

Test cricket break times between innings are 10 minutes, however players also have a 40-minute break for lunch and a 20-minute break for tea in the afternoon, separating the day’s play into 3 sessions, morning, afternoon and evening.

Depending on the various scenarios that can play out in a test match, break times are overseen by umpires, generally in agreement with the captains. 

In the case where the batting team are 9 wickets down, a break can be delayed or forgone, or the days play extended to assist with getting a match result.

ODI innings break duration

ODI innings breaks are slightly longer than test and T20 as it also doubles as the lunch break for the players given an ODI match can take 7 or 8 hours to play. 

Duration of Innings Break Time in T20

Given the much shorter 3-hour period it takes to complete a T20 game, T20 cricket innings break times are reduced to 10 minutes for the sides to switch over, ensuring the fast pace of the match continues and keep the action coming on field.

What happens during an innings break?

In effect, it becomes an important strategic time during a match where plans are assessed and implemented, and where players can work through with their coaches what is required of them in the upcoming innings. It is also an important time to refuel, rehydrate and prepare the body for the demands of batting and bowling.

Interesting Facts About Innings Breaks

While there is no technical record for longest innings break in cricket history, many games experience extended delays during breaks due to the weather or light conditions. Often, breaks in play for the weather can become lunch or tea breaks once they overlap with scheduled break times.

Cricket is a game largely beholden to weather, with many an hour of gameplay lost that can sometimes turn into an opportunity to make up time by taking scheduled breaks during weather induced delays.

Inning Break times in T20 World Cup & IPL

While break times in the T20 World Cup and IPL remain similar to T20 internationals, there are some ways which the IPL has innovated the game to increase excitement, including the strategic time out. The concept, where both teams have 2 x 2 and a half minute tactical breaks per 20 overs, and borrowed from American sports (think basketball, hockey, NFL) adds to the spectacle of IPL as the pinnacle of the domestic short version of the game.

FAQ:

How long is a T20 innings break?

10 minutes (this keeps the game moving)

What is the drink break time in Test cricket?

Cannot exceed 5 minutes (taken at end of over at agreed time, or at fall of wicket within 5 minutes of agreed time)

How much time is in an inning break?

Test: 10 minutes between innings, 40 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for tea

ODI: 30 -40 minutes occurring after the first team completes 50 overs or is bowled out

T20: 10 minutes up to 15 minutes

What is an innings break?

It marks the end of an innings and a changeover from batting to bowling or vice versa. It’s an opportunity to rest, review and set tactics such as

batting and bowling strategies and field positions.

Why is the ODI break longer than T20?

Quite simply, the ODI game is longer, with 50 overs per side, requiring a longer period of rest between innings

What do players do during an innings break?

Players may have individual preferences during innings breaks, but the time is mostly used to rest, rehydrate, refuel, and discuss the innings that has been and plan for the one ahead.

Can innings break time be changed?

Yes, with the agreement of captains and the umpires. It can

also be changed depending on the circumstances of the game, like the fall of a wicket at or near the scheduled break time, or for weather related reasons such as rain.

What happens if it rains during an innings break?

Teams will wait in the pavilion for the rain to clear and for the umpires to declare that the game can go ahead.

Can teams extend the innings break in cricket?

The time a break is taken can be extended if the game is poised in a way that would benefit from the break being taken later (for example, the batting side being 9

wickets down). There is no easily sourced rule that allows teams to extend the break between innings other than weather/bad light related.

What happens if the innings break is delayed?

This can occur for delays that are weather related. The umpires have discretion to adjust playing times to make up lost time. In the shorter formats of the game, a delayed innings break may mean the score to chase is adjusted to account for the loss of playing time (Duckworth-Lewis-Method)

Is there a difference between an innings break and a drinks break?

Yes, one marks the cessation of an innings (either through the overs

being completed, 10 wickets being taken or the batting captain declaring). Drinks breaks are scheduled breaks throughout the day and are an important part of player welfare to ensure adequate hydration, particularly as cricket can be played in high temperatures.

Can players leave the field during an innings break?

Yes, players can and do leave the field for innings breaks

What was the longest innings break in cricket history?

There is not much readily available information about the longest break in history. Cricket, particularly the highest level of the game, is known for its tradition and respect for the

laws of the game. Most matches operate in accordance with these laws.