Rules for Follow-On in Cricket
The cricket follow-on calculator helps you determine whether the team batting first can enforce the follow-on — inviting the opposition to bat again immediately after their first innings. The follow-on is governed by Law 14 of the Laws of Cricket, as drafted by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
What Is Follow-On in Cricket?
The follow-on occurs when the team that bats second scores significantly fewer runs than the team batting first, giving the first team the right to ask the opposition to bat again immediately. This rule applies only in two-innings matches (such as Test cricket and First-Class cricket).
Follow-On Thresholds by Match Duration
The minimum run lead required to enforce the follow-on depends on the scheduled length of the match:
| Match Duration | Minimum Lead Required |
|---|---|
| 5 days or more (Test Matches) | 200 runs |
| 3–4 days (First Class) | 150 runs |
| 2 days | 100 runs |
| 1 day | 75 runs |
If play is lost due to weather or other interruptions on the first day (or subsequent days), the effective number of days is reduced, and the threshold adjusts accordingly. For example, if Day 1 of a 5-day Test is rained out, the effective duration becomes 4 days, and the threshold drops to 150 runs.
Is the Follow-On Compulsory?
No — enforcing the follow-on is a tactical decision by the captain of the team batting first. Common reasons to not enforce the follow-on include:
- Giving tired bowlers a rest after a long fielding session
- Sufficient time remaining in the match to win without the follow-on
- Favourable pitch or weather conditions expected later in the game
How to Use This Calculator
- Select Match Type — choose the scheduled duration of the match (5-day Test, 4-day First Class, etc.)
- Days Not Played — if any days were lost to rain or other interruptions before the first innings ended, select the number of days lost. The calculator adjusts the threshold automatically.
- Team 1 Score — enter the total runs scored by the team that batted first.
- Team 2 Score — enter the total runs scored by the team batting second at the end of their first innings.
- Click Calculate to see the lead, the follow-on threshold, and whether the follow-on can be enforced.
Example: Ashes Test Match
Australia batted first and scored 473 runs. England, in their first innings, managed only 237 runs.
- Team 1 (Australia) lead: 473 − 237 = 236 runs
- Follow-on threshold for a 5-day Test: 200 runs
- England needed 473 − 200 = 273 runs to avoid the follow-on
- England fell short by 36 runs (273 − 237 = 36)
- Result: Australia can enforce the follow-on
However, Australia chose not to enforce it — their bowlers needed rest, and there were still two days remaining. Australia batted again and won on Day 5.
FAQs
What is the rule of follow-on in Test cricket?
As per Law 14.1, the follow-on rule for Test cricket states that a team batting second can be invited to bat again if they trail by more than 200 runs after the end of their first innings. The decision to enforce the follow-on lies entirely with the captain of the team batting first.
Can a team lose after enforcing the follow-on?
Yes — there have been several famous instances where a team enforced the follow-on and still lost the match. The follow-on is a strategic tool, not a guarantee of victory. The opposition may bat exceptionally well in their second innings and even set a target the first team cannot chase.
Does weather affect the follow-on threshold?
Yes. If play is curtailed by rain or other interruptions, the effective duration of the match is reduced, which lowers the follow-on threshold. This calculator accounts for days lost and automatically adjusts the required run lead accordingly.
Is the follow-on used in T20 or ODI cricket?
No — the follow-on rule applies only to two-innings matches (Test and First-Class cricket). T20 and ODI matches are single-innings formats and do not use this rule.