Follow on in Test Cricket How to Calculate

The follow-on decision in Test cricket is a strategic choice made by the team batting second in the match. This article explains how to calculate when a follow-on should be declared, including the formula, assumptions, and practical examples.

What is a Follow On?

A follow-on is a Test cricket rule that allows the team batting second in the match to bat again after the first innings is completed. This occurs when the team batting first is dismissed for a score that is significantly less than the team batting second's first innings total.

The follow-on is declared when the second team's first innings total is more than the first team's first innings total plus a certain percentage. The exact percentage varies depending on the match conditions and the ICC's regulations.

How to Calculate the Follow On

The follow-on is calculated using the following formula:

Follow-on condition: If (Second team's first innings total) > (First team's first innings total + (First team's first innings total × Follow-on percentage))

The follow-on percentage is typically set at 25% for the first Test match of a series, and can be adjusted for subsequent matches based on the match conditions and the ICC's regulations.

For example, if the first team scores 300 runs in their first innings, the follow-on would be declared if the second team scores more than 300 + (300 × 0.25) = 375 runs in their first innings.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example where:

First team's first innings total: 350 runs
Second team's first innings total: 400 runs
Follow-on percentage: 25%

Using the formula:

400 > (350 + (350 × 0.25))

400 > (350 + 87.5)

400 > 437.5

Since 400 is not greater than 437.5, the follow-on would not be declared in this scenario.

However, if the second team had scored 450 runs in their first innings:

450 > (350 + (350 × 0.25))

450 > (350 + 87.5)

450 > 437.5

In this case, the follow-on would be declared because 450 is greater than 437.5.

Key Assumptions

The calculation of the follow-on is based on several key assumptions:

The follow-on percentage is set at 25% for the first Test match of a series.
The follow-on percentage can be adjusted for subsequent matches based on the match conditions.
The calculation is based on the first innings totals of both teams.
The follow-on is declared when the second team's first innings total is more than the first team's first innings total plus the follow-on percentage.

Note: The follow-on percentage and other match conditions can vary depending on the ICC's regulations and the specific match circumstances.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the follow-on in Test cricket?: The follow-on is a strategic choice that allows the team batting second to bat again after the first innings is completed. It is typically declared when the second team's first innings total is significantly higher than the first team's first innings total.
How is the follow-on percentage determined?: The follow-on percentage is typically set at 25% for the first Test match of a series. It can be adjusted for subsequent matches based on the match conditions and the ICC's regulations.
Can the follow-on be declared in the first innings?: No, the follow-on can only be declared after the first innings is completed. It is based on the first innings totals of both teams.
What happens if the follow-on is declared?: If the follow-on is declared, the team batting second will bat again after the first innings is completed. This means they will have two innings to score runs and try to win the match.
Is the follow-on decision made by the captains or the umpires?: The follow-on decision is typically made by the umpires based on the first innings totals and the ICC's regulations. The captains may provide input, but the final decision rests with the umpires.