Drinks Break in Cricket Explained
The drinks break is a scheduled mid-session pause in cricket for players to rehydrate — used strategically by captains to break bowling spells, reset momentum, and communicate field changes.
What Is the Drinks Break in Cricket?
The drinks break is a short scheduled pause in play — typically five minutes — that occurs approximately halfway through each session in Test cricket. Players from both sides gather in the middle of the pitch to drink water or sports drinks brought out by the 12th man. In the extreme heat conditions common in subcontinental and Australian cricket, the drinks break is a physiological necessity — dehydration significantly affects performance for players who have been fielding, batting, or bowling for 50+ minutes in temperatures above 35°C.
Strategic Use of the Drinks Break
The drinks break has tactical significance beyond hydration. For a fielding captain, it provides an opportunity to break a batting partnership that has built momentum — a batter who has faced 30 consecutive balls of pressure may lose concentration after a drinks break resets the atmosphere. Conversely, a batter who is building a century can use the break to refocus and recommit. Some captains deliberately field in a way that builds toward the drinks break — setting aggressive fields before it and resetting to more defensive positions after.
Drinks Breaks in Limited-Overs Cricket
In ODI cricket, drinks breaks are scheduled at the end of the Powerplay (after 10 overs) and at approximately over 30. In T20I cricket, a single drinks break typically occurs between the tenth and eleventh overs. These breaks are more precisely timed than Test breaks, which can be taken at the bowler's end of any over at the umpire's and teams' convenience. In extreme heat conditions at major tournaments, additional water breaks may be scheduled at the ICC's direction.
Frequently asked questions
When is the drinks break in cricket?
In Tests, a drinks break occurs approximately mid-session (after about 50 minutes of play). In ODIs, breaks occur at around overs 10 and 30. In T20Is, one break occurs around over 10.
Can teams discuss strategy during a drinks break?
Yes — the drinks break is one of the few opportunities for the fielding captain to communicate with all players on the field simultaneously. Batters can also consult each other.
Are extra drinks breaks allowed in hot weather?
Yes — the ICC can schedule additional hydration breaks during extreme heat conditions at major tournaments, protecting player welfare.