Follow-On
Also known as: follow on, follow-on, enforcing the follow-on, enforce the follow-on, avoiding the follow-on, follow-on target
The follow-on lets the side that batted first make its opponents bat again straight away when it leads by enough on first innings. The lead needed is at least 200 runs in a match of five days or more, 150 in a three- or four-day match, 100 in a two-day match and 75 in a one-day, two-innings match. Enforcing it is the leading captain's choice, not a requirement.
Law 14 sets the follow-on, and ICC Test playing conditions use the same leads. Only the side that batted first can enforce it. The captain must tell the opposing captain and the umpires, and once told, the decision cannot be changed. If no play is possible on the first day, the lead needed follows the number of days left. The day play starts counts as a full day.
The side batting second avoids the follow-on by getting within the required lead. In a five-day Test, if the first side scored 450, the second side needs 251. At 250 the lead is exactly 200, which is enough to enforce it.
Enforcing the follow-on gives the leading side more time to bowl the opposition out twice. The risk is that its bowlers get no rest between innings. If the trailing side bats well second time round, the leading side may then have to bat last on a worn pitch. So captains weigh how fresh their bowlers are, the pitch, and the time left before deciding.
Tips by skill level
To work out the follow-on target, take the first innings total and subtract the lead needed, then add one run.
As a captain, check your bowlers' workload and the forecast before you enforce. Batting again to set a target can be the stronger option when your attack needs a rest.
Example
England make 480 and bowl the visitors out for 260 in a five-day Test. With a lead of 220, the England captain enforces the follow-on and sends them straight back in.
Why it matters
The follow-on shapes the second half of many multi-day matches. Knowing the target tells the batting side exactly what it needs to save the game.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the follow-on is automatic once the lead is reached
- Using the five-day lead of 200 in a shorter match
- Miscounting the target to avoid it by one run
- Enforcing it with tired bowlers when there is plenty of time left
Frequently asked questions
What is the follow-on in cricket?
It is when the side that batted first makes its opponents bat again straight away because it has a big enough first-innings lead. The captain can choose to enforce it.
How many runs do you need to enforce the follow-on?
At least 200 in a match of five days or more, 150 in a three- or four-day match, 100 in a two-day match and 75 in a one-day, two-innings match.
How many runs do you need to avoid the follow-on?
You need to get within the required lead. In a five-day Test, if the other side made 450, you need 251, because a lead of 200 or more allows the follow-on.
Does a team have to enforce the follow-on?
No, it is the captain's option. A captain may bat again instead, for example to rest the bowlers or avoid batting last on a worn pitch.
Sources
Related terms
- Test CricketTest cricket is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious format of the sport — played over up to five days between two national teams, with each side receiving two innings and ten wickets to be dismissed.
- DeclarationA declaration is when the batting captain ends their side's innings before the team is all out. In two-innings matches it is used to leave enough time to bowl the opposition out and win. Under the current Laws a captain can declare whenever the ball is dead, except in the final innings of the match. A declared innings counts as a completed innings.
- Match Results (Win, Tie, Draw)A cricket match ends in a win, a tie or a draw. A side wins by scoring more runs than the other side does in its completed innings. A tie means every innings is complete and the scores are level. A draw means the match ends without either of those, usually because time runs out in a multi-day game before the side batting last is bowled out or reaches its target.
- New BallThe new ball is a freshly manufactured cricket ball at the start of an innings (or available after a set number of overs). This swings and seams most readily due to its hard, lacquered surface and prominent seam.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.