Cricket Innings Break Explained
What happens during a cricket innings break? Understand the duration, activities, and format differences between Test, ODI, and T20 breaks.
What Is an Innings Break?
An innings break is the interval between the end of one team's batting innings and the start of the other team's innings. Both teams swap roles — the fielding side becomes the batting side. Players leave the field, groundstaff tend to the pitch, and teams regroup tactically.
Test Match Intervals
Test matches have three sessions per day with two intervals — a 40-minute lunch break and a 20-minute tea break. The innings change is taken at the next scheduled interval after the 10th wicket falls, or the teams may take an early interval if a wicket falls close to a scheduled break time.
ODI and T20 Innings Breaks
In ODIs, the innings break lasts 45 minutes. In T20 matches, the break is shorter — typically 10 to 20 minutes depending on the tournament schedule. During this break, teams receive dressing-room briefings, physiotherapists treat minor injuries, and the captain finalises the second-innings batting order.
Tactical Use of the Innings Break
Coaches and captains use the innings break to analyse the opposition's weaknesses discovered in the first innings, adjust the batting order, and prepare against the specific bowlers they will face. In chases, the target total, required run rate, and likely pitch deterioration are all assessed.
Groundstaff Activities
During the innings break, groundstaff re-mark the crease lines, roll the pitch, fill minor scuffs or cracks on the surface, and prepare fresh supply of cricket balls for the incoming bowling side. The pitch itself must not be watered, repaired with artificial means, or substantially altered once the match is underway.
Frequently asked questions
Can a team request a longer innings break?
No. The duration of the innings break is set by match regulations and the tournament's playing conditions. Teams cannot extend it unilaterally. However, injury to a player or emergency situations can cause umpires to delay the start.
What happens if it rains during the innings break?
Play is delayed beyond the break until conditions are safe and the outfield is fit. Umpires inspect the pitch and outfield regularly and restart as soon as possible, often using DLS to recalculate targets in limited-overs games.
Is the innings break the same as a drinks break?
No. A drinks break is a short, scheduled mid-session water break during an innings — typically every 10–15 overs in hot conditions. An innings break marks the formal end of one team's batting and the start of the other's.