How to Calculate Follow on Score in Test Match
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
In Test cricket, a Follow On is a unique situation where the team that batted first is required to bat again after the second team has declared their innings. This occurs when the team batting first scores fewer runs than the team batting second, and the difference between the two scores is less than the number of wickets lost by the team batting first.
What is a Follow On in Test Cricket?
A Follow On is a rare but important concept in Test cricket. It occurs when the team batting first scores fewer runs than the team batting second, and the difference between the two scores is less than the number of wickets lost by the team batting first.
When a Follow On is declared, the team that batted first must bat again, starting with a fresh set of 11 players. The team that declared their innings second will then bowl to the first team again.
The Follow On score is calculated based on the difference between the two teams' scores and the number of wickets lost by the team batting first. This calculation helps determine whether the Follow On is declared and what the target score will be for the second batting team.
How to Calculate Follow On Score
The Follow On score is determined by the following formula:
Follow On Score = (Team 2 Score - Team 1 Score) + (10 × Wickets Lost by Team 1)
Where:
- Team 2 Score - The total runs scored by the team that batted second
- Team 1 Score - The total runs scored by the team that batted first
- Wickets Lost by Team 1 - The number of wickets lost by the team that batted first
If the Follow On Score is positive, a Follow On is declared. The team batting first must then bat again, and the team batting second will bowl to them again. The target score for the second batting team is the Follow On Score.
Note: The Follow On can only be declared in the first innings of a Test match. It cannot be declared in the second innings.
Example Calculation
Let's consider an example to illustrate how to calculate the Follow On score.
Scenario
- Team 1 (batting first) scores 250 runs and loses 5 wickets
- Team 2 (batting second) scores 300 runs
Calculation
Follow On Score = (300 - 250) + (10 × 5)
Follow On Score = 50 + 50 = 100
Since the Follow On Score is positive (100), a Follow On is declared. Team 1 must bat again, and Team 2 will bowl to them again. The target score for Team 2 in their second innings is 100 runs.
Interpreting the Follow On Score
The Follow On score provides several important insights into the match situation:
1. Determining the Follow On
A positive Follow On score indicates that a Follow On should be declared. This means the team that batted first must bat again, and the team that batted second will bowl to them again.
2. Setting the Target Score
The Follow On score also sets the target score for the team that batted second in their second innings. The team batting second must chase this target to win the match.
3. Assessing the Match Situation
The Follow On score helps assess the overall balance of the match. A high Follow On score suggests that the team batting second has a significant lead, while a low Follow On score indicates a closer contest.
Important: The Follow On can only be declared in the first innings of a Test match. It cannot be declared in the second innings.