<P> There are special rules setting out the duration of each interval . The interval between innings lasts for 10 minutes . In test cricket, lunch (or, in the case of day / night test matches, dinner) will last for 40 minutes and tea for 20 minutes . </P> <P> Before the coin toss to determine which side bats first, the hours of play, including the timing and duration of intervals for meals or any non-standard interval, is agreed . However, if nine wickets are down when the agreed time for tea is reached (so that the bowling team only needs one more wicket to end the batting team's innings), tea may be delayed until the end of the innings, with a maximum delay of 30 minutes . In a one - day game the teams may agree to take the interval for tea between innings rather than have a separate interval . Also, the teams and umpires sometimes agree to have other intervals . This may be to allow the teams to be presented to an important visitor or to allow time for a presentation or acclamation when a player breaks a significant record . Other intervals may be varied slightly if a wicket falls shortly before the interval is scheduled to be taken . </P> <P> Drinks intervals are agreed at the start of each day, but are not taken during the last hour of the match . Drinks intervals are particularly important when the game is played in hot climates . Games being played in heat of 40 ° C (104 ° F) and above are not unknown . Drinks intervals may not last for more than 5 minutes . </P> <P> A number of games are notable for either their length or because they were played through adverse conditions that would usually see the game called off . </P>

When is lunch taken in a test match