Cricket Innings Explained — Sessions, Overs, Breaks & New Ball
What is a cricket innings, how is a Test match day structured into sessions, when does the new ball become available, and how do drinks breaks and lunch intervals work?
A cricket innings is the period during which one team bats and the other fields. When ten wickets have fallen (leaving one not-out batter), or when the allocated overs have been completed, the innings ends and the teams swap roles. In limited-overs cricket, each team has one innings; in Test cricket, each team has two innings.
Test Match Day Structure
A Test match day is divided into three sessions, separated by intervals: the morning session (typically two hours, often 11:00–13:00 local time), the lunch interval (40 minutes), the afternoon session (two hours), tea interval (20 minutes), and the evening session (final two hours). Each day is intended to include approximately 90 overs of play, though weather, slow over rates, and wicket-fall delays frequently reduce this.
| Period | Duration | Overs (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Morning session | 2 hours | 30 overs |
| Lunch interval | 40 minutes | — |
| Afternoon session | 2 hours | 30 overs |
| Tea interval | 20 minutes | — |
| Evening session | 2 hours | 30 overs |
| Total playing day | 6 hours | ~90 overs |
The New Ball
In Test cricket, the fielding team is entitled to take a new ball at the start of each innings and then again after every 80 overs. The decision to take the new ball is the fielding captain's choice — they may prefer the worn, reversing old ball to the new one if their spinners are bowling effectively. A new ball is harder, shinier, and seams and swings more than an old ball; captains typically take it when they have their pace bowlers ready to bowl.
Drinks Breaks
In addition to the main intervals, drinks are brought onto the field during each session — typically once per session in temperate climates, twice in hot or humid conditions. Drinks breaks are brief (2–3 minutes) and do not significantly interrupt play. They also serve as an opportunity for captains to have tactical discussions with the team at the drinks cart.
Frequently asked questions
How many overs are bowled in a Test match day?
The target is 90 overs per day. In practice, this is rarely achieved due to slow over rates, wicket-fall delays, DRS reviews, and injuries. Days often end with 80–86 overs bowled; exceptional days of 95+ overs indicate efficient bowling and minimal delays.
What happens if rain stops play during a session?
Play is suspended and the players leave the field. If the day's play is reduced, additional playing time may be added at the end of the day (often referred to as 'mandatory overs' or extra time) to compensate. If insufficient overs can be bowled, the day's play may be abandoned and the match shortened accordingly.
When does a Test innings end?
A Test innings ends when: 10 wickets have fallen (all out), the batting captain declares, the batting team forfeits the innings, or time has expired and a draw is agreed. Unlike limited-overs cricket, there is no over limit on a Test innings — a team can bat as long as they can keep wickets.