How The Follow on Is Calculated in Test Cricket
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
The follow-on is a unique feature in Test cricket that determines which team bats second in the second innings. It's calculated based on the difference in runs scored between the two teams in the first innings. This guide explains the formula, assumptions, and practical examples to help you understand how the follow-on is determined.
What is the Follow On in Test Cricket?
The follow-on is a situation in Test cricket where the team that scored fewer runs in the first innings is required to bat again in the second innings. This is determined by comparing the two teams' first-innings scores.
If the two teams' first-innings scores are equal, the team that batted first in the first innings will bat again in the second innings. This is known as a "follow-on" if the team batting second in the first innings scored fewer runs.
Note: The follow-on is not the same as a "follow-on" in the sense of a team batting again after losing the toss. It's specifically about the difference in runs between the two teams' first-innings scores.
How is the Follow On Calculated?
The follow-on is determined by comparing the two teams' first-innings scores. The team that scored fewer runs in the first innings will bat again in the second innings, provided the difference in runs is significant enough.
The exact calculation involves comparing the two teams' first-innings scores. If one team's score is significantly lower than the other, the team that scored fewer runs will bat again in the second innings.
Follow-on Decision Formula:
If Team A's first-innings score (SA1) is less than Team B's first-innings score (SB1) by a significant margin, then Team A will bat again in the second innings.
The exact margin required for a follow-on can vary, but generally, a difference of more than 200 runs is considered significant enough to declare a follow-on.
In some cases, if the two teams' first-innings scores are very close, the team that batted first in the first innings will bat again in the second innings. This is known as a "follow-on" if the team batting second in the first innings scored fewer runs.
Example Calculation
Let's consider an example to illustrate how the follow-on is calculated. Suppose Team A and Team B are playing a Test match.
| Team | First Innings Score | Second Innings Score |
|---|---|---|
| Team A | 350 | 280 |
| Team B | 400 | 320 |
In this example, Team A scored 350 runs in the first innings, while Team B scored 400 runs. The difference between the two teams' first-innings scores is 50 runs, which is less than the typical margin required for a follow-on (200 runs). Therefore, Team A will not bat again in the second innings.
However, if Team A had scored 200 runs in the first innings and Team B had scored 400 runs, the difference would be 200 runs, which is the typical margin required for a follow-on. In this case, Team A would bat again in the second innings.
Key Points to Remember
- The follow-on is determined by comparing the two teams' first-innings scores.
- The team that scored fewer runs in the first innings will bat again in the second innings, provided the difference in runs is significant enough.
- The exact margin required for a follow-on can vary, but generally, a difference of more than 200 runs is considered significant enough.
- If the two teams' first-innings scores are very close, the team that batted first in the first innings will bat again in the second innings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the follow-on in Test cricket?
The follow-on is a situation in Test cricket where the team that scored fewer runs in the first innings is required to bat again in the second innings. It's determined by comparing the two teams' first-innings scores.
How is the follow-on calculated in Test cricket?
The follow-on is calculated by comparing the two teams' first-innings scores. The team that scored fewer runs will bat again in the second innings, provided the difference in runs is significant enough.
What is the typical margin required for a follow-on in Test cricket?
The exact margin required for a follow-on can vary, but generally, a difference of more than 200 runs is considered significant enough to declare a follow-on.
What happens if the two teams' first-innings scores are very close?
If the two teams' first-innings scores are very close, the team that batted first in the first innings will bat again in the second innings. This is known as a "follow-on" if the team batting second in the first innings scored fewer runs.