1. What is Follow On in Test Cricket?

The follow-on is a rule in Test cricket that allows the team that batted first to enforce the other team to bat again immediately after their first innings if they trail by 200 runs or more in a 5-day match.

2. How is Follow On Calculated?

The follow-on rule is calculated as:

Where:

• \( first\_innings \) — Runs scored by the team batting first
• 200 — The required lead for a 5-day Test match

Explanation: If the team batting second scores 200 or more runs fewer than the team that batted first, the captain of the team that batted first can choose to enforce the follow-on.

3. Importance of Follow On Rule

Details: The follow-on rule helps maintain the balance between bat and ball in Test cricket, preventing matches from becoming too one-sided and ensuring all results remain possible until late in the match.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first innings score in runs. The calculator will show the minimum lead required to enforce the follow-on (200 runs in a 5-day Test).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the follow-on rule the same for all Test matches?
A: No, for 4-day matches the required lead is 150 runs, and for 3-day matches it's 100 runs.

Q2: Is enforcing the follow-on mandatory?
A: No, it's at the discretion of the captain of the team that batted first.

Q3: What are the risks of enforcing the follow-on?
A: The main risk is tiring out your bowlers, especially if the opposition bats well in their second innings.

Q4: Has any team won after being asked to follow-on?
A: Yes, most famously in 2001 when India won after following on against Australia in Kolkata.

Q5: How often is the follow-on enforced?
A: It's becoming less common in modern cricket as captains prefer to rest their bowlers and bat again.