Guwahati Set to Host Its First Test Match: A Historic Moment for Cricket Fans

A New Era for Guwahati Cricket

Guwahati, Nov 21: The ACA Stadium is poised to host its inaugural Test match starting November 22, marking a significant milestone in Guwahati's sporting journey. For cricket enthusiasts in Assam, this event is filled with nostalgia, especially for the older generation who view it as a long-awaited dream come true. Meanwhile, younger fans are excited to witness a historic moment they have only heard about.

India will face South Africa in the second Test of their two-match series, having lost the first match in Kolkata by 30 runs.

This match will make Guwahati the 30th venue for Test cricket in India, introducing five-day red-ball international matches to both the city and the northeastern region. Notably, this Test will feature adjusted lunch and tea break timings due to the early start required by local daylight conditions.

Play in Guwahati will commence at 9 am, deviating from the usual 9:30 am start time observed in other parts of India, to accommodate the region's early sunrise and sunset. Such changes are typically seen in day-night Tests.

Guwahati has been involved in international cricket since 1983, primarily hosting One Day Internationals (ODIs) and more recently, T20 Internationals (T20Is). The Nehru Stadium was the original venue, welcoming teams from various countries including Australia, South Africa, and England. Since 2017, international matches have been held at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara.

Bimal Bharali, a former Ranji Trophy player from Assam, reminisces about the electrifying atmosphere of the Nehru Stadium during a match in 1976. As part of the East Zone team, he scored an unbeaten 45 against England. Nearly five decades later, he is thrilled to celebrate this new milestone as Guwahati prepares for its first Test.

“This is a monumental occasion for all of us,” Bharali expressed. For him and his peers, this moment represents the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration.

“Back in our playing days, we never envisioned a Test match in Guwahati. The facilities were quite basic,” Bharali reflected, expressing his joy at the current advancements. “It’s fantastic to see this happening now. I am very pleased.”

He emphasized that the match will provide young fans with the opportunity to experience Test cricket live. “While television is accessible, nothing compares to watching a match in person,” he noted.

Recalling his experience from the 1976 match against England, Bharali mentioned that his innings were part of a determined effort to secure a draw. He acknowledged that the facilities back then were not comparable to those at the ACA Stadium today.

Bharali praised the quality of the pitch and outfield at Barsapara, stating, “The standards are exceptionally high. As cricket enthusiasts, we hope for a five-day match filled with quality cricket. What transpired in Kolkata is behind us now.”

He also reminisced about attending the subsequent Test between India and England in Kolkata that same year, where India lost by 10 wickets, but he was pleasantly surprised by the recognition he received for his previous innings.

Former Assam players Naba Konwar and Munna Kakati echoed similar sentiments, both having played first-class cricket in the 1970s and 1980s. They believe that the upcoming Test will be a landmark event.

“November 22 will be etched in golden letters. Guwahati will now be recognized on the global Test cricket map. We owe this to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia,” remarked Konwar, who faced England while representing East Zone in 1984.

Kakati, now 71, expressed that they never imagined such a day would come during their playing careers. He believes the match will serve as a valuable learning experience for the younger generation. “We didn’t have this opportunity, but now youngsters can observe the best players up close and learn from them,” he stated.

For many young fans, the Test match is a source of immense excitement. Seventeen-year-old Riddhiman Saikia shared, “Test cricket gives me the greatest thrill. I aspire to be a fast bowler and love watching fast bowling in Tests. I enjoy matches played on Australian and South African pitches. But having it happen in Guwahati is an unmatched feeling.”

The arrival of a Test match in Assam signifies a milestone that generations of players have longed for, and that moment is finally here.