Six years after the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) first proposed the Barsapara Stadium’s readiness to host a Test match, Guwahati, popularly known as the Gateway to the Northeast, is on the brink of a historic moment as it prepares to stage its first-ever international red-ball match. India and South Africa will face off in the second Test of the ongoing series, marking a significant milestone for both the city and the region.
The proposal to bring Test cricket to Barsapara was initially put forward on July 31, 2019. By then, the ACA Stadium had already hosted several international white-ball fixtures and a range of domestic matches. As the long-standing aspiration approaches reality, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who hails from the city, expressed gratitude to his predecessor and current International Cricket Council (ICC) chair Jay Shah for approving the allotment of the region’s first-ever Test match.
“As a representative of the Assam Cricket Association in the BCCI, I thank the ICC chairman Jay Shah for allowing us to first host the Women’s World Cup matches and now this Test match. The process started back in 2019, and finally, after a long wait, we’ll have the first Test match in the region,” Saikia said.
“I believe hosting the Test match will further encourage young cricketers not only from Assam but from across the Northeastern states,” he added, outlining the various arrangements the ACA has made to mark the landmark occasion.
Notably, this will be the first Test match to feature a reversal of the traditional lunch and tea break timings due to the early start necessitated by local daylight conditions. Play will begin at 9 am, as opposed to the standard 9:30 am start time elsewhere in India, to compensate for the early sunrise and early sunset commonly experienced in the Northeast. While such alterations are typically reserved for day-night tests, officials decided on the change given the region’s swiftly diminishing evening light.
“The toss is scheduled for 8.30 am, followed by the customary National Anthems of both teams, and a few quick events before the first ball is bowled. The first session will run from 9 to 11 am, followed by a 20-minute tea break. Lunch will be served between 1.20 and 2 pm, and play is set to continue until 4 pm, with an additional 30 minutes available if required,” Saikia said.
Speaking about the ceremonial events planned just after the toss, Saikia explained that the toss coin would be presented to the captains and that there would be an official signing of a portrait of the ACA Stadium. Additionally, keeping the tradition of Test cricket alive, the ACA has also planned to install a customary bell between the two pavilions.
The bell, a powerful symbol of Test cricket’s heritage, will make its debut in Guwahati as the city becomes the world’s newest Test venue on November 22. Saikia noted that the ACA intends to uphold the tradition to give spectators an authentic Test match experience.
“The tradition will be continued at the ACA Stadium, and it will be an experience for the fans in Guwahati,” Saikia said.
Crafted from bell metal in Sarthebari of Barpeta district, the bell weighs around 35 kilograms. To complement it, driftwood from Meghalaya has been artistically carved to serve as part of the ceremonial setup. The bell will be rung before play begins each day, adding a moment of solemnity and grandeur.
The modern format of the five-minute bell is inspired by its usage at Lord’s, the ‘Home of Cricket’. Although bells existed at Lord’s long before, the formalised pre-session bell tradition was introduced in July 2007 by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to provide a dignified prelude before players took the field.
Gill under medical observation
Providing an update on India captain Shubman Gill, Saikia said the opener remains under medical supervision. With 48 hours still remaining before the Test, the BCCI had not yet provided clarity on whether Gill would be fit to take part in this crucial World Test Championship (WTC) fixture.
“Shubman is under observation, there is still 48 hours to go for the match,” Saikia commented.
On Thursday, Gill opted out of the three-hour training session conducted by the Indian team. Meanwhile, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and the rest of the Indian batters had an extended practice session along with the support staff.
Full house expected on opening weekend
ACA president Taranga Gogoi said they anticipate near-capacity crowds on the first two days of the Test, especially since the match starts on a weekend. Gogoi revealed that approximately 20,000 tickets for Days 1 and 2 had already been sold and expected demand to rise further, given India’s 0-1 deficit in the two-Test series.