How Is Follow on Calculated in Cricket

The follow-on decision in cricket is a critical aspect of rain-affected matches, particularly in Test cricket. This article explains how the decision is calculated, the methods used, and the factors that influence it.

What Is Follow On?

The follow-on is a rule in cricket where the team that batted first in a rain-interrupted Test match is required to bat again after the second team has completed their innings. This rule was introduced to ensure fairness and maintain the balance of the match.

When rain interrupts a Test match, the umpires decide whether to resume play or abandon the match. If play is resumed, the team that batted first is given the option to bat again, while the second team continues their innings from where they left off.

How Is Follow On Decided?

The decision to impose a follow-on is based on a complex calculation that considers several factors, including the resources available to each team, the time remaining in the match, and the current state of the innings.

The most common method used to calculate the follow-on is the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (D/L) method, which adjusts the target score based on the resources available to each team.

The D/L Method

The D/L method is a mathematical model used to calculate the revised target score for the team batting second after a rain interruption. The method takes into account the number of overs remaining, the resources available to each team, and the current state of the innings.

D/L Formula

The revised target (RT) is calculated using the following formula:

RT = (RR × Overs Remaining) + (RR × Overs Lost × (RR - Par Score Rate))

Where:

RR = Run Rate of the team batting first
Overs Remaining = Number of overs remaining in the innings
Overs Lost = Number of overs lost due to rain
Par Score Rate = The rate at which the team batting first should have scored to reach the target

The D/L method ensures that the revised target is fair and reflects the resources available to each team. The method is used in Test cricket and other limited-overs formats where rain interruptions are common.

Factors Affecting Follow On Decision

Several factors influence the decision to impose a follow-on, including:

Resources Available: The number of overs remaining and the resources available to each team.
Current State of the Innings: The score, run rate, and wickets lost by the team batting first.
Time Remaining: The amount of time left in the match and the need to complete the innings within the allocated time.
Pitch Conditions: The condition of the pitch and the impact of rain on the playing surface.

The umpires and match officials use the D/L method and other factors to determine whether the follow-on is necessary to ensure a fair and competitive match.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example to illustrate how the follow-on is calculated using the D/L method.

Example Scenario

Team A has batted first and scored 250 runs in 60 overs. The team has lost 5 wickets.

Team B has batted second and scored 180 runs in 40 overs. The team has lost 4 wickets.

Rain interrupts the match, and the umpires decide to resume play. The team batting first (Team A) is given the option to bat again.

Using the D/L method, the revised target for Team A is calculated as follows:

Run Rate (RR) of Team A: 250 runs / 60 overs = 4.1667 runs per over
Overs Remaining: 40 overs
Overs Lost: 20 overs (assuming the match was interrupted after 40 overs)
Par Score Rate: 4.1667 runs per over

The revised target (RT) is calculated using the formula:

RT = (4.1667 × 40) + (4.1667 × 20 × (4.1667 - 4.1667)) = 166.67 + 0 = 166.67

Therefore, Team A is required to score 167 runs in their second innings to win the match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the follow-on in cricket?

The follow-on ensures fairness in rain-interrupted Test matches by allowing the team that batted first to bat again, while the second team continues their innings from where they left off.

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

The revised target score is calculated using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (D/L) method, which takes into account the resources available to each team, the overs remaining, and the current state of the innings.

What factors influence the decision to impose a follow-on?

Factors include the resources available to each team, the current state of the innings, the time remaining, and the condition of the pitch.

Can the follow-on be avoided in certain situations?

Yes, if the umpires determine that the follow-on is not necessary to ensure a fair and competitive match, they may decide to continue the innings without imposing a follow-on.

Is the follow-on used in all formats of cricket?

The follow-on is primarily used in Test cricket, where rain interruptions are more common. It is not used in limited-overs formats like ODIs or T20s.