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What is the Follow-On?
The follow-on is a rule in cricket that allows the team batting first to ask the opposing team to bat again immediately after their first innings, rather than batting themselves for a second time. This rule exists to prevent teams from deliberately scoring very few runs to waste time and draw a match. It is one of the most strategically important decisions a captain can make in Test cricket.
The follow-on can only be enforced when the team batting second falls short of the first team's score by a specified margin, known as the follow-on deficit. The required deficit varies depending on the duration of the match.
Follow-On Rules
According to Law 14 of the Laws of Cricket, the team batting first may request the other team to follow their innings if the first-innings deficit meets or exceeds the threshold for the match duration. The captain of the team batting first has the option but is not obligated to enforce the follow-on.
Deficit Thresholds by Match Duration
| Match Duration | Required Deficit | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 5-day match | 200 runs | Test Match |
| 4-day match | 150 runs | First-Class (4 day) |
| 3-day match | 100 runs | First-Class (3 day) |
| 2-day match | 75 runs | Minor matches |
| 1-day match | Not applicable | Limited overs |
Strategic Considerations
- Pitch deterioration: Enforcing the follow-on means batting last on a deteriorating pitch, which may turn more for spin bowlers.
- Bowler fatigue: Fast bowlers who have just completed a full innings may need rest before bowling again immediately.
- Weather: If rain is expected on the final days, enforcing the follow-on maximizes bowling time.
- Match situation: Teams with strong spin attacks often prefer to enforce it, while pace-heavy sides may choose to bat again.
- Historical win rate: Teams enforcing the follow-on win approximately 60% of those matches in Test cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has any team won after being asked to follow on?
Yes, it has happened only 3 times in Test cricket history. The most famous instance was India vs. Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2001, where India won by 171 runs after following on. England also achieved this feat against Australia at Sydney in 1894.
Can a captain decline to enforce the follow-on?
Yes, the follow-on is optional. Many modern captains choose not to enforce it to give their bowlers rest and to avoid batting last on a deteriorating pitch. Notable examples include Ricky Ponting choosing not to enforce the follow-on despite large leads.
Does the follow-on exist in limited-overs cricket?
No, the follow-on rule only applies to multi-day cricket matches (Test matches and first-class cricket). In ODIs and T20Is, each team bats once, so the concept does not apply.