How to Calculate Follow on Score in Test Cricket

What is a Follow On in Test Cricket?

A follow-on is a rare but important tactical decision in Test cricket. It occurs when the team batting second in the first innings scores significantly more runs than the team batting first. The team that batted first is then required to bat again after the second team has declared their innings.

The follow-on is intended to level the playing field and make the match more competitive. It's a strategic move that can change the course of a Test match, often leading to a dramatic second innings from the team that initially batted first.

How to Calculate the Follow On Score

Calculating the follow-on score involves determining the target that the team batting second must reach to win the match. The formula takes into account the first innings scores of both teams and the number of days remaining in the match.

The follow-on score is calculated by adding the second team's first innings score to the number of days remaining in the match multiplied by a standard daily target (typically 500 runs). This gives the team batting second a target to aim for in their second innings.

The Formula Explained

The follow-on score formula is straightforward but powerful in Test cricket strategy. Here's a breakdown of each component:

1. Second Team's First Innings Score: This is the total runs scored by the team that batted second in the first innings.
2. Days Remaining: The number of days left in the Test match after the first innings have been completed.
3. Daily Target: A standard target of 500 runs per day is used to calculate the follow-on score.

The formula accounts for the fact that Test matches are played over five days, with each day typically seeing about 500 runs scored. By multiplying the days remaining by the daily target, we estimate the additional runs that could be scored in the remaining days of the match.

Worked Example

Let's look at a practical example to understand how the follow-on score is calculated.

Scenario: England is batting first and scores 350 runs in their first innings. Australia, batting second, scores 520 runs in their first innings. There are 3 days remaining in the match.

Calculation:

In this example, England would need to score 2020 runs in their second innings to win the match, given that Australia's first innings score was 520 and there are 3 days remaining.