How Follow on Score Is Calculated in Cricket

The follow-on score in cricket is a crucial concept in Test matches, where one team is required to bat again after the other team has declared their innings. This article explains how the follow-on score is calculated, including the formula, assumptions, and practical examples.

What is a Follow On in Cricket?

A follow-on occurs in Test cricket when the team that batted first has a significant lead in their first innings, and the second team is required to bat again after their first innings. This is done to level the playing field and make the match more competitive.

The decision to impose a follow-on is based on the difference between the two teams' first innings totals. The follow-on score is the target that the batting team must reach to win the match.

How the Follow On Score is Calculated

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

Follow On Score = (First Innings Total of Batting Team) - (First Innings Total of Bowling Team) + 1

This formula ensures that the batting team must score more than the difference between the two teams' first innings totals to win the match. The "+1" accounts for the fact that the batting team must score at least one run more than the difference to win.

Note: The follow-on score is only applicable in Test matches. In One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 matches, the follow-on does not apply.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example to illustrate how the follow-on score is calculated:

Team	First Innings Total	Second Innings Total
Team A	450	320
Team B	280	400

In this example, Team A has a first innings total of 450, and Team B has a first innings total of 280. The difference between the two teams' first innings totals is 450 - 280 = 170.

Therefore, the follow-on score for Team B would be 170 + 1 = 171. Team B must score at least 171 runs in their second innings to win the match.

Key Points to Remember

The follow-on score is only applicable in Test matches.
The follow-on score is calculated using the difference between the two teams' first innings totals plus one.
The follow-on score is the target that the batting team must reach to win the match.
The follow-on is decided by the match referee based on the difference between the two teams' first innings totals.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the follow-on in cricket?: The follow-on is used in Test cricket to level the playing field when one team has a significant lead in their first innings. It requires the second team to bat again after their first innings, making the match more competitive.
How is the follow-on score calculated?: The follow-on score is calculated by subtracting the first innings total of the bowling team from the first innings total of the batting team and adding one. The formula is: Follow On Score = (First Innings Total of Batting Team) - (First Innings Total of Bowling Team) + 1.
Can the follow-on score be negative?: No, the follow-on score cannot be negative. If the difference between the two teams' first innings totals is negative, the follow-on score will be 1, meaning the batting team must score at least one run to win the match.
Is the follow-on applicable in all formats of cricket?: No, the follow-on is only applicable in Test matches. It does not apply in One Day Internationals (ODIs) or Twenty20 matches.
Who decides whether a follow-on will be imposed?: The decision to impose a follow-on is made by the match referee based on the difference between the two teams' first innings totals. The referee considers the fairness of the match and the competitive balance when making this decision.