Cricket Follow on Rule Calculator

The follow-on is a unique feature in Test cricket where the team that batted first in their innings is required to bat again after the opposing team has declared their second innings. This calculator helps determine when the follow-on should be declared based on the innings totals and target scores.

How the Follow On Works

In Test cricket, the follow-on is declared when the team that batted first in their innings has a significant lead over the opposing team. The follow-on is intended to level the playing field by giving the team that batted first a chance to bowl again with a fresh side.

Follow On Declaration Formula

The follow-on is declared if the team batting first in their innings has a lead of at least 200 runs after the second innings is completed.

Mathematically, if Team A bats first and Team B bats second, the follow-on is declared if:

Team A's first innings score - Team B's second innings score ≥ 200

For example, if Team A scores 350 in their first innings and Team B scores 120 in their second innings, the follow-on would be declared because 350 - 120 = 230, which is greater than 200.

Key Points About the Follow On

The follow-on is only declared after the second innings is completed.
The follow-on is not declared if the team batting first in their innings is all out before the second innings is completed.
The follow-on is not declared if the team batting first in their innings is dismissed for a score that is less than 200 runs behind the opposing team's second innings score.

How to Use the Calculator

Using the follow-on calculator is straightforward. Simply enter the scores for the first innings and the second innings, and the calculator will determine whether the follow-on should be declared.

Steps to Use the Calculator

Enter the score of the team that batted first in their innings.
Enter the score of the opposing team in their second innings.
Click the "Calculate" button to determine if the follow-on should be declared.
Review the result and any additional information provided by the calculator.

Note: The follow-on calculator assumes that the team batting first in their innings has a significant lead over the opposing team. If the team batting first in their innings is all out before the second innings is completed, the follow-on will not be declared.

Worked Examples

Let's look at a few examples to illustrate how the follow-on calculator works.

Example 1: Follow On Declared

Team A bats first and scores 350 runs. Team B bats second and scores 120 runs. The follow-on is declared because 350 - 120 = 230, which is greater than 200.

Example 2: Follow On Not Declared

Team A bats first and scores 300 runs. Team B bats second and scores 250 runs. The follow-on is not declared because 300 - 250 = 50, which is less than 200.

Example 3: Follow On Not Declared (Team All Out)

Team A bats first and is all out for 200 runs. Team B bats second and scores 150 runs. The follow-on is not declared because Team A was all out before the second innings was completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the follow-on in cricket?: The follow-on is a unique feature in Test cricket where the team that batted first in their innings is required to bat again after the opposing team has declared their second innings.
When is the follow-on declared?: The follow-on is declared if the team batting first in their innings has a lead of at least 200 runs after the second innings is completed.
Can the follow-on be declared if the team batting first in their innings is all out?: No, the follow-on is not declared if the team batting first in their innings is all out before the second innings is completed.
What happens if the follow-on is declared?: If the follow-on is declared, the team that batted first in their innings will bat again with a fresh side. The opposing team will bowl first in their second innings.
Is the follow-on declared in One Day Internationals (ODIs) or Twenty20 (T20) cricket?: No, the follow-on is only declared in Test cricket. It is not declared in One Day Internationals (ODIs) or Twenty20 (T20) cricket.