What Is Follow On In Cricket?
Follow on in cricket happens when a team batting second scores significantly fewer runs than the team batting first in a test match.
What Is Follow On in Test Cricket?
In Test matches, each team gets two chances to bat. The team that bats first sets a target by scoring runs.
If, after the first team has batted, the second team scores a lot fewer runs, the team that batted first has the option to enforce the follow-on.
The follow on in test cricket means the second team has to bat again immediately without a break. It’s like a cricket rule to speed up the game and ensure a result.
The team enforcing the follow-on believes they have a good chance of winning because the second team hasn’t scored enough runs to match their total.
Rules of Follow on in Test Cricket
The follow-on rule in Test cricket allows the team that bats first to make the other team bat again without taking a break if certain conditions are met.
Criteria for Enforcing Follow On:
For the follow-on to happen, the team that batted first must have a substantial lead after the first innings.
The lead is measured by runs, and the team batting second must be trailing by more than 200 runs. In simpler terms, if the first team scores a lot more runs than the second team, the first team can ask the second team to bat again immediately.
This rule is like a strategy to speed up the game and increase the chances of a clear winner. However, it’s a bit risky because if the second team does well in their second chance to bat, it might change the outcome of the game.
How To Calculate Follow On in Test Cricket?
In Test cricket, each team has two innings to bat. The team that bats first sets a target score. The follow on comes into play when the team that bats first has a big lead after the first innings.
To calculate the follow-on, look at the runs scored by the team batting first in its first innings and subtract that from the runs scored by the team batting second in its first innings. If this difference is more than 200 runs, the team that batted first can enforce the follow-on.
Example:
Team A bats first and scores 400 runs.
Team B bats second and scores 180 runs.
Now, subtract the runs scored by Team B from Team A:
400 (Team A) – 180 (Team B) = 220
In this example, Team A has a lead of 220 runs after the first innings.
The follow-on threshold is 200 runs. If the lead is equal to or greater than 200 runs, the team that batted first has the option to enforce the follow-on.
In our example, the lead of 220 runs is more than 200, so Team A can choose to make Team B bat again immediately.
Enforcing the follow on is a strategic decision. The captain of the team that batted first decides whether to make the other team bat again without a break.
It aims to speed up the game and increase the chances of winning, but it carries some risk. If the team batting second performs well in the second innings, it might change the outcome of the match.
What Happens After Follow On in Test Cricket?
After a team enforces the follow-on in Test cricket, a few things happen in the game:
Second Innings Begin:
The team that batted second in the first innings now starts their second innings right away.
Follow-On Team Waits:
The team that enforced the follow-on waits for the second innings of the other team to finish.
They hope to quickly get the opposing team out again, securing victory without having to bat again themselves.
Game Continues:
The game continues with the second innings of the team that batted second in the first innings.
If this team can score enough runs and possibly surpass the first innings total of the team that enforced the follow-on, it can change the course of the game.
Possible Outcomes:
If the team batting second in the follow-on manages to score more runs and doesn’t lose all their wickets, they can make a comeback.
If the team enforcing the follow-on manages to get the opposing team out quickly again, they win the match without having to bat again.
How to Avoid Follow On in Test Cricket?
Avoiding the follow-on in Test cricket is important for a team, and here’s a simple explanation of how they can do that:
Score Enough Runs:
To avoid the follow-on, the team batting second needs to score a good amount of runs in their first innings.
If they can match or surpass the total runs scored by the team that batted first, they won’t have to bat again immediately.
Stay Within 200 Runs:
The follow-on threshold is usually a lead of 200 runs. If the team batting second can keep the difference in runs close or be ahead, they won’t have to face the follow on.
What Is The Advantage of Follow On in Test Cricket?
The advantage of enforcing the follow-on in Test cricket is to increase the chances of winning the game more quickly. Here’s a explanation:
Quick Result:
Enforcing the follow-on allows the team that batted first to make the other team bat again without taking a break.
This can lead to a faster conclusion of the match because the team enforcing the follow-on has a good chance of winning without having to bat again.
Tired Opposition:
The team batting second might be tired after fielding for a long time in the first innings. Making them bat again immediately can exploit their fatigue and increase the likelihood of taking wickets quickly.
Pressure on Opponent:
The team enforcing the follow-on puts pressure on the other team to perform well in their second innings. If the team batting second is already trailing by a significant margin, the pressure to catch up can be intense.
Strategic Move:
Enforcing the follow-on is a strategic move by the captain. It aims to capitalize on the team’s strong performance in the first innings and maintain control of the game.
What Is The Disadvantage of Follow on in Test Cricket?
The disadvantage of enforcing the follow-on in Test cricket lies in the potential risks and uncertainties it brings.
Opponent’s Comeback:
By enforcing the follow-on, the team risks giving the opponent a chance to recover. If the team batting second performs well in their second innings, they can turn the game around and make a comeback.
Fatigue for Bowlers:
The bowlers from the team that enforced the follow-on might get tired. Bowling in consecutive innings without a substantial break can be physically demanding, and it may affect the performance of the bowling team.
Weather and Pitch Conditions:
The condition of the pitch and the weather can change during the course of the match. Enforcing the follow-on might not be ideal if the conditions become favorable for batting, potentially allowing the opposition to score more runs.
Missed Opportunity to Bat Again:
By not batting again themselves, the team that enforced the follow-on misses the opportunity to add more runs to their total. This could be crucial if the opposing team performs well in their second innings.
Pressure on Batsmen:
If the team enforcing the follow-on has to bat again due to a strong performance by the opposing team, there may be added pressure on their batsmen to score quickly and secure the win.
Exceptions and Limitations
here are special situations where the follow on rule may not apply.
Small Target to Chase:
If the lead (the difference in runs) after the first innings is less than 200, the team that batted first may choose not to enforce the follow-on. They might feel that the lead is not large enough to put significant pressure on the opposing team.
Weather and Reduced Overs:
In cases where weather delays or other factors reduce the number of overs in the match, teams may decide not to enforce the follow-on even if they have a substantial lead. Limited playing time can influence strategic decisions.
Pitch Conditions:
Teams may consider the condition of the pitch. If it is deteriorating or becoming challenging for batting, they might prefer to bat again rather than risk having to bat last on a difficult pitch.
Tactics and Game Situation:
The decision to enforce the follow-on depends on the team’s overall strategy and the current state of the game. Sometimes, captains choose not to enforce the follow-on to allow their bowlers more rest or to give their batsmen additional time in the middle.
Team’s Confidence:
The captain might consider the team’s confidence and form. If they believe their bowlers are tired or their batsmen need more time at the crease, they might opt not to enforce the follow on.
Notable Follow-On Decisions
Let’s look at some famous cricket matches where the follow-on played a crucial role, affecting the dynamics of the game and the final results.
Australia vs. England, 1981:
In the third Ashes Test, Australia enforced the follow-on after bowling out England for a low score. However, England, led by Ian Botham, made a remarkable comeback, and Australia lost the match. This is often cited as one of the greatest turnarounds in cricket history.
India vs. Australia, 2001:
In the famous Kolkata Test, India was forced to follow-on after trailing by a significant margin against Australia.
VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid played extraordinary innings, and India went on to win the match. This match is remembered for its incredible batting performances.
England vs. India, 2007:
India faced a follow-on situation in the Trent Bridge Test. However, captain Rahul Dravid decided against enforcing it.
India batted well, and the match ended in a draw. Dravid’s decision not to follow on is often praised for its impact on the series.
Alternatives to Follow On
There are some alternatives to enforcing the follow on in test cricket.
Batting Again:
Instead of making the opposing team bat again immediately, the team batting first might choose to bat again themselves.
This decision can give their batsmen more time in the middle, allowing them to add more runs to their total.
Rotation of Bowlers:
If the team that batted first has a good lead but their bowlers are tired, they may opt not to enforce the follow-on.
Instead, they could rotate their bowlers, giving them rest and ensuring they are fresh when they eventually bowl again.
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
Teams consider the condition of the pitch and the weather. If the pitch is becoming difficult for batting or if weather conditions are changing, teams might choose to bat again rather than enforce the follow-on.
FAQs
Q: What is follow-on in cricket with example?
A: Follow on in cricket is when the team batting first makes the other team bat again immediately if they’re trailing by a lot after the first innings.
Q: What is follow on score for 578?
A: The follow on score for 578 would be if the opposing team scores 378 or fewer runs in their first innings.
Q: How do you calculate follow-on in cricket?
A: To calculate follow on in cricket, subtract the runs scored by the team batting second from the runs scored by the team batting first. If the difference is 200 or more, the follow-on can be enforced.
Q: How does the follow-on work?
A: The follow on works by giving the team that bats first the option to make the other team bat again immediately if they have a substantial lead after the first innings.
Q: Can a team win after follow on?
A: Yes, a team can win after follow on if they perform exceptionally well in their second innings and the opposing team struggles.
Q: What is follow on score for 470?
A: The follow on score for 470 would be if the opposing team scores 270 or fewer runs in their first innings.
Q: What is the meaning of avoid the follow-on?
A: Avoiding the follow-on means scoring enough runs in the first innings to not be forced to bat again immediately by the opposing team.
Q: Can a Test match end in 3 innings?
A: No, a Test match cannot end in 3 innings. Each team gets 2 innings to bat.
Q: What happens after follow-on?
A: After follow on, the team that batted second starts their second innings immediately, and the team enforcing the follow-on waits for the result.
Q: What will happen if WTC final is drawn?
A: If the WTC final is drawn, the trophy is typically shared between the two teams.
