In cricket, what does a "follow-on" mean in Test matches?
VerifiedAnswer: When a team batting second is forced by the opposition to bat again immediately after their first innings due to a significant run deficit.
Explanation:
The follow-on is one of cricket's most dramatic tactical decisions available exclusively in Test matches. Let's break down this fascinating rule and understand how it works in practice.
According to the Laws of Cricket, the follow-on can be enforced when the team batting second scores at least 200 runs fewer than the team that batted first in a five-day Test match. This means if Team A scores 400 runs in their first innings, and Team B manages only 199 runs or less, Team A can choose to enforce the follow-on.
Here's how the follow-on works step by step:
• Team A bats first and posts their total • Team B bats second but falls short by 200+ runs • The captain of Team A can choose to enforce the follow-on • Team B must bat again immediately as their second innings • Team A gets the advantage of not batting again until Team B completes their second innings
The strategic advantage of enforcing the follow-on is obvious - it puts immense pressure on the trailing team while potentially saving the bowling team's energy. However, modern captains sometimes choose not to enforce the follow-on, especially when their bowlers are tired or pitch conditions might deteriorate.
It's worth noting that the follow-on margin varies depending on the scheduled length of the match. For three-day matches, the deficit needs to be 150 runs, while for two-day matches, it's 100 runs. However, in international Test cricket, we always see the 200-run rule in action.
Some of cricket's most memorable comebacks have occurred after teams were asked to follow-on. The most famous example is India's victory against Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2001, where India won after being forced to follow-on - a rare and spectacular achievement that's remembered as one of the greatest Test match turnarounds in cricket history.
