1. What is Follow On in Cricket?

The follow-on is a rule in cricket where the team that bats first and leads by at least 200 runs (in a five-day Test match) can require the other team to bat again immediately after their first innings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Opponent\_score \) — The runs scored by the opposing team in their first innings
• 200 — The standard lead required to enforce the follow-on in a 5-day Test match

Explanation: This calculation determines the minimum score the first-batting team needs to achieve to have the option of enforcing the follow-on.

3. Importance of Follow On Calculation

Details: Understanding the follow-on rule is crucial for cricket captains and strategists as it can significantly impact the flow and outcome of a Test match.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the opposing team's first innings score to determine the follow-on target. The result shows the minimum score your team needs to achieve to have the follow-on option.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the follow-on rule always 200 runs?
A: No, the required lead varies based on match duration. It's 200 for 5-day Tests, 150 for 4-day matches, and 100 for 3-day matches.

Q2: Why would a captain choose not to enforce the follow-on?
A: Captains might avoid enforcing follow-on to rest their bowlers, avoid batting last on a deteriorating pitch, or due to weather conditions.

Q3: What's the biggest successful follow-on in Test history?
A: The largest successful follow-on was in 1894 when England followed on 261 runs behind Australia but won by 10 runs.

Q4: Can follow-on be enforced in limited-overs cricket?
A: No, the follow-on rule only applies to multi-day first-class matches like Test cricket.

Q5: What happens if the team following on wins?
A: It's called a "follow-on victory" and is considered one of cricket's most remarkable achievements, having happened only 3 times in Test history.