What is the Follow-On Rule in Cricket? When Is It Applied in Test Matches? Everything You Need to Know

Imagine a Test match where one team scores 500 runs in their first innings, and the opposing team struggles, getting out for just 150 runs. 

The captain of the stronger team has a choice: should their team bat again or ask the opposition to bat immediately? This is where the follow-on rule comes into play.

The Follow-On Rule in cricket is a specific regulation that applies primarily in Test matches, allowing the team that batted first to require the opposing team to bat again immediately after their first innings if they have established a significant lead.

In Test cricket, the margin must be at least 200 runs. This rule saves time in matches where one team dominates.

A recent example of the Follow-On Rule in cricket occurred on December 17, 2024, during the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. 

However, India fought back valiantly. The follow-on rule is a key strategy that can alter the course of a game.

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When Can It Be Used?

In Test Matches:

• If the first team leads by 200 runs or more, they can enforce the follow-on.
• In shorter matches (3 or 4 days), the lead must be 150 runs.
• For 2-day matches, it’s 100 runs.
• In one-day matches, it’s 75 runs.

If the team decides to use the follow-on, the second team has to bat again immediately after their first innings, without a break.

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Who decides the Follow-On Rule?

The decision to enforce the follow-on is not automatic; it rests with the captain of the leading team. Factors influencing this decision include:

• The condition of the pitch and weather.
• The time remaining in the match.
• The physical state and fatigue level of bowlers after their previous innings.

Law14.2 of the Laws of Cricket states: “A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his/her intention to take up this option. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.”

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Why Use It?

Enforcing a follow-on can have several strategic advantages:

• Pressure on Opponents: It puts psychological pressure on the batting team, as they have already struggled in their first innings.
• Reduced Draw Probability: By compelling the second team to bat again sooner, it decreases the likelihood of a drawn match.

However, there are also potential disadvantages:

• Bowler Fatigue: Bowlers may be tired after bowling a full inning, which could affect their performance in the second innings.
• Pitch Deterioration: Batting last can be challenging due to pitch wear and tear, which may favour bowlers more as the match progresses.

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How many teams have lost after enforcing the follow-on rule?

In Test cricket, there have been four instances where a team has lost after enforcing the follow-on. Here are the details of those matches:

Australia vs. England (1894-95)

• Location: Sydney
• Margin of Loss: 10 runs

Australia vs. England (1981)

• Location: Leeds
• Margin of Loss: 18 runs

India vs. Australia (2001)

• Location: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Margin of Loss: 171 runs

New Zealand vs. England (2023)

• Location: Wellington
• Margin of Loss: 1 run

A recent example of the Follow-On Rule in cricket occurred during the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 17, 2024. 

In this match, Australia posted a formidable total of 445 runs in their first innings. India faced significant pressure, needing to score 246 runs to avoid being asked to follow on. At one point, they struggled at 51 runs for 4 wickets, highlighting their precarious situation. 

If India failed to reach the target, Australia could enforce the follow-on, requiring India to bat again immediately without a break, which would have severely impacted India's chances of winning or drawing the match. 

However, India successfully avoided the follow-on during the third Test match against Australia at the Gabba on December 17, 2024, by reaching a total of 246 runs in their first innings. 

Facing significant pressure, India was at 167 for 6 at one point, needing 79 more runs to avoid the follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role, scoring 41 runs, while Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed as well. 

Despite interruptions from rain, which added to the tension, the pair managed to stabilise the innings. Ultimately, India’s ability to surpass the follow-on target was vital in maintaining their chances in the match.

How Many Runs Does India Need To Avoid The Follow-On In The MCG Test?

The Indian cricket team is facing a tough challenge as they need to score a total of 474 runs to win against Australia. Currently, they are under pressure on the scoreboard.

To avoid being forced to bat again immediately, India must reach 275 runs. This is crucial because if they fail to do so, Australia can enforce the follow-on rule, which would require India to bat again right away.

In the ongoing fourth Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India ended Day 2 with a score of 164 for 5. They are still trailing by 310 runs after Australia posted a strong first inning total.

The match has seen interruptions due to rain, adding to India's struggles. The follow-on rule is significant in Test cricket. If a team trails by more than 200 runs, the leading team can ask them to bat again immediately after their first inning.

This strategy can put immense pressure on the batting side and potentially lead to a quick victory for the leading team. For India, avoiding the follow-on is vital not just for maintaining their chance in this match but also for their morale as they strive for a comeback in the series.

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