Cricket Follow on Score Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

This calculator helps determine the target score needed in the second innings of a cricket match when the follow-on is declared. The follow-on occurs when the team batting second is required to bat again after the first innings ends, typically to level the match.

Steps to Use the Calculator

Enter the total runs scored by the team batting first in their first innings.
Enter the number of wickets lost by the team batting first in their first innings.
Enter the number of overs bowled by the team batting first in their first innings.
Click "Calculate" to determine the target score for the second innings.

The follow-on is declared when the team batting second is behind by more than the number of wickets lost by the team batting first, multiplied by the average runs per wicket. This ensures the match remains competitive.

Formula Explained

The target score for the follow-on is calculated using the following formula:

Target Score = (Runs Scored by Team Batting First) + (Wickets Lost by Team Batting First × Average Runs per Wicket) + 1

Where:

Runs Scored by Team Batting First - Total runs scored by the team batting first in their first innings.
Wickets Lost by Team Batting First - Number of wickets lost by the team batting first in their first innings.
Average Runs per Wicket - Typically set at 3.5 runs per wicket in professional cricket.

The "+1" ensures the target score is always higher than the total runs scored by the team batting first.

Worked Example

Let's say Team A scores 250 runs in their first innings and loses 5 wickets. The average runs per wicket is 3.5.

Target Score = 250 + (5 × 3.5) + 1 = 250 + 17.5 + 1 = 268.5

Since cricket scores are whole numbers, the target score would be rounded up to 269 runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the follow-on in cricket?

The follow-on is a rule in cricket where the team batting second is required to bat again after the first innings ends, typically to level the match. It occurs when the team batting second is behind by more than the number of wickets lost by the team batting first, multiplied by the average runs per wicket.

How is the target score calculated for the follow-on?

The target score is calculated by adding the runs scored by the team batting first to the product of the wickets lost by the team batting first and the average runs per wicket (typically 3.5), then adding 1 to ensure the target is higher than the runs scored in the first innings.

Can the follow-on be declared in limited-overs cricket?

Yes, the follow-on can be declared in limited-overs cricket, but it is less common than in Test matches. The rules for declaring the follow-on are similar, but the context and strategy differ due to the limited overs format.

What happens if the team batting second scores more than the target in the follow-on?

If the team batting second scores more than the target in the follow-on, they win the match. If they score less, the team batting first wins.