Understanding the Follow On Rules in Test Cricket

The follow-on rule in Test cricket is a strategic tool employed to enforce a batting team’s second innings immediately after their first innings if they fail to reach a minimum required score relative to their opponent’s total. This rule is particularly significant in longer matches, as it allows the fielding team to skip their own second innings and put pressure on the opposition to chase a daunting target under deteriorating pitch conditions.

Governed by Law 14 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws of Cricket, the follow-on rule is a fascinating mix of tactics, match awareness, and strategy.

1. The Follow On Rules in Test Cricket Explained

The follow-on rule applies in two-innings matches of varying durations. The batting team that bats first (Team A) can enforce the follow-on if the opposing team (Team B) fails to meet the following thresholds based on the format and match duration:

Match Duration	Minimum Lead Required to Enforce Follow-On
5 days or more	200 runs
3 or 4 days	150 runs
2 days	100 runs
1 day	75 runs

Example Scenario:

• If Team A scores 500 runs in their first innings, then Team B must score at least 301 runs to avoid the follow-on.
• If Team B scores 300 runs or fewer, Team A’s captain has the option to enforce the follow-on, making Team B bat their second innings immediately.

2. How the Follow-On Works

When Team A enforces the follow-on:

• Team B must start their second innings immediately after the end of their first innings.
• Team A skips their own second innings for the time being.

This decision is often taken when time is limited, the pitch is deteriorating, or the fielding captain believes their team has a strong chance of bowling out the opposition quickly and securing victory.

Law 14 of the MCC Laws of Cricket

14.1 Lead on First Innings

• 14.1.1: In a two-innings match lasting 5 days or more, the side batting first must have a lead of at least 200 runs to enforce the follow-on.
• 14.1.2: The same option applies for shorter-duration matches with adjusted lead requirements (150, 100, or 75 runs based on match length).

14.2 Notification:

• The captain enforcing the follow-on must notify the opposing captain and the umpires of their decision.
• Once the decision is made, it cannot be reversed.

3. Strategic Importance of the Follow On Rules in Test Cricket

Enforcing the follow-on is a significant tactical decision that offers both advantages and potential risks.

Advantages of Enforcing the Follow-On:

1. Time Management: In a limited timeframe, enforcing the follow-on gives the fielding team more time to bowl out the opposition and win the match.
2. Deteriorating Pitch Conditions: On pitches that break down over time, batting becomes progressively difficult. Bowling on a wearing pitch increases the chances of dismissing the opposition cheaply.
3. Psychological Pressure: Forcing a team to bat again can create mental pressure, especially if they were dismissed cheaply in the first innings.

Risks of Enforcing the Follow-On:

1. Bowler Fatigue: The fielding team’s bowlers may tire out, reducing their effectiveness in dismissing the opposition quickly.
2. Strong Second Innings Performance: If the batting team recovers and posts a massive total, the fielding team may struggle to chase the target in their own second innings.
3. Weather Interruptions: If weather intervenes, enforcing the follow-on may backfire if the match ends in a draw.

4. Real-World Example: India Avoids the Follow-On in Brisbane Test

A recent instance showcasing the importance of the follow-on occurred during the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane.

• Australia, batting first, posted an imposing total of 445 runs.
• India, in reply, faced the risk of being forced to follow on, needing at least 246 runs to avoid it.
• At a critical juncture, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep built an unbeaten 39-run partnership for the final wicket, helping India reach 252/9 at stumps.

Key Moments:

• Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal for 77 left India in a precarious position, still 33 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.
• Akash Deep’s quickfire 27 not out and Bumrah’s patient 10 not out frustrated the Australian bowlers.
• The last-wicket stand ensured India crossed the follow-on threshold, trailing by 193 runs.

Rain delays and poor light on Day 4 added further drama, and with weather expected to impact play on Day 5, avoiding the follow-on gave India a crucial chance to fight for a result.

5. Historical Significance of the Follow On Rules in Test Cricket

The follow-on has been part of cricket’s rich history and has resulted in many iconic moments. While the strategy has led to famous victories, there have also been instances where enforcing the follow-on backfired spectacularly.

Famous Example: 2001 India vs Australia, Kolkata Test

• Australia enforced the follow-on after dismissing India for 171 runs, leading by 274 runs.
• In an extraordinary turnaround, VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) scripted a stunning second-innings partnership.
• India declared at 657/7 and bowled out Australia for 212, winning the Test by 171 runs.

This match remains a historic example of the risks associated with enforcing the follow-on.

Follow-On as a Tactical Weapon

The follow-on rule in Test cricket is a powerful strategic tool that can tilt the game in favor of the fielding team when used effectively. Captains must weigh the match conditions, pitch behavior, and bowling fatigue before enforcing the follow-on.

While the rule provides an opportunity to secure quick victories, it also comes with risks, making it one of the most intriguing aspects of Test cricket strategy. The recent India-Australia Test in Brisbane showcased how small partnerships can make a significant difference in avoiding the follow-on, adding another thrilling chapter to the rule’s legacy.

FAQs

1. What is the Follow On Rules in Test Cricket?
The follow-on rule allows the team that batted first to enforce their opponent’s second innings immediately if the opponent fails to meet a minimum score threshold.

2. How many runs lead is required to enforce the follow-on in a 5-day Test?
A lead of 200 runs is required in a 5-day or longer Test match.

3. Can a captain change their decision after enforcing the follow-on?
No, once the captain notifies the umpires and the opposing team of their decision, it cannot be reversed.

4. What are the advantages of enforcing the follow-on?
It saves time, puts pressure on the opposition, and utilizes deteriorating pitch conditions to dismiss the opponent quickly.

5. How did India avoid the follow-on in the recent Brisbane Test?
India avoided the follow-on with a crucial final-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, taking the total to 252/9.