The follow-on rule in Test cricket
The follow-on lets a team that is far ahead after the first innings make the other side bat again straight away. It only applies in matches where each team bats twice, such as Tests.
The key points
- In a five-day Test, the team batting first needs a lead of at least 200 runs.
- Enforcing the follow-on is the captain's choice, not automatic.
- If enforced, the trailing team bats its second innings immediately.
Lead needed for the follow-on
| Length of match | Lead needed |
|---|---|
| 5 days or more | 200 runs |
| 3 or 4 days | 150 runs |
| 2 days | 100 runs |
| 1 day | 75 runs |
If a day is lost completely to weather before the match starts, the lead needed is based on the days remaining.
How it works
- Team A bats first and scores 450.
- Team B replies with 220, so it trails by 230.
- Team A's captain can enforce the follow-on, because the lead is over 200.
- Team B bats again straight away. Team A only bats again if Team B passes 450 in total.
Why captains sometimes don't enforce it
- Tired bowlers: they have just bowled a full innings and must bowl again immediately.
- Batting last: pitches usually get harder to bat on. A captain may not want to chase even a small target on day five.
- Time: with plenty of time left, batting again builds a huge lead with no risk.
Famous follow-on comebacks
Winning after following on is very rare in Test history. Two famous examples are England beating Australia at Headingley in 1981, and India beating Australia at Kolkata in 2001. In the Kolkata Test, VVS Laxman made 281 and Rahul Dravid 180 in India's second innings.
Frequently asked questions
How many runs are needed to enforce the follow-on?
In a five-day Test, the team batting first needs a lead of at least 200 runs.
Is the follow-on compulsory?
No. The captain of the leading team decides whether to enforce it.
Has a team ever won after following on?
Yes, but only a handful of times. Famous examples are England at Headingley in 1981 and India at Kolkata in 2001.