Session (cricket)

In cricket, a session refers to one of the three periods into which a day's play is divided. These sessions are generally named the morning session, the afternoon session, and the evening session (though the latter may sometimes be called the tea session due to its proximity to the tea interval).

The timings of these sessions, and therefore their length, can vary slightly depending on the specific match conditions and the time of year. Factors that influence session duration include the start time, the need to make up for lost time due to weather interruptions, and the scheduling of intervals for lunch and tea.

The transition between sessions is marked by an official interval, usually lasting 40 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for tea (these timings are also subject to variation based on match regulations). During these intervals, play is suspended, and players typically leave the field for refreshments and rest.

The concept of a session is important for several reasons. It provides a natural structure to the day's play, allowing for strategic breaks and changes in tactics. It also allows commentators and fans to break down the day's events into more manageable and digestible segments. The performance of teams and individual players within a session is often analysed to assess momentum shifts and identify key turning points in a match.