Test cricket has many quirky rules, but few are as aggressive and tactical as the Follow-On. It is a strategic option available to the team batting first that can severely demoralize the opponent and speed up a victory. But what strictly is the Follow-On and when can it be enforced?
The Definition
In a Test match (which consists of two innings per team), if the team batting first (Team A) posts a massive score and then dismisses the team batting second (Team B) cheaply, Team A has the option to make Team B bat again immediately. This is called “enforcing the follow-on.”
Instead of the usual sequence (Team A Bat -> Team B Bat -> Team A Bat -> Team B Bat), the sequence becomes:
Team A Bat -> Team B Bat -> Team B Bat (Follow-on) -> Team A Bat (if needed).
The 200-Run Rule
The magic number for the follow-on in a standard 5-day Test match is 200 runs.
- If Team A leads by 200 runs or more after the first innings, the captain of Team A can choose to enforce the follow-on.
- Important: It is an option, not a mandatory rule. The captain can choose to bat again (3rd innings) to rest his bowlers and build an even bigger lead.
Exceptions for Shorter Matches
If play is lost due to rain and the match length is reduced, the follow-on margin changes to ensure fairness:
- 5 Day Match: 200 runs lead required.
- 3 or 4 Day Match: 150 runs lead required.
- 2 Day Match: 100 runs lead required.
- 1 Day Match: 75 runs lead required.
Why Enforce the Follow-On? (Pros)
- Win Fast: It is the quickest way to win by an innings.
- Pressure: The opposition batters are already tired and demoralized from a batting collapse. Putting them back in immediately keeps the boot on the throat.
- Utilizing Conditions: If the pitch is deteriorating or offering swing, you want your bowlers to exploit it while it lasts.
Why NOT Enforce the Follow-On? (Cons)
- Bowler Fatigue: Test bowlers work incredibly hard. If they just bowled 100 overs to bowl Team B out, asking them to bowl immediately again risks injury and exhaustion. A tired bowler is an ineffective bowler.
- Last Innings Risk: If Team B bats incredibly well in the follow-on (e.g., scoring 600), Team A might have to chase a tricky total on a crumbling Day 5 pitch. This happened in the famous Kolkata Test of 2001 (India vs Australia), where India followed on but won the match—one of the greatest comebacks in history.
Famous Follow-On Matches
- India vs Australia, Kolkata 2001: Australia enforced the follow-on. VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) batted all day. India turned the game around and won, ending Australia’s 16-match winning streak.
- England vs Australia, Headingley 1981: Ian Botham’s heroics helped England win after being asked to follow on.
Winning after being forced to follow on is one of the rarest feats in cricket, happening only a handful of times in over 140 years of history.