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How to Calculate The Follow on in Test Cricket

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

The follow on is a unique situation in Test cricket where the team that batted first in the match is required to bat again after the second team has declared their innings. This can happen when the first team's innings ends with a significant deficit, and the second team's innings is extended due to weather or other factors.

What is the Follow On in Test Cricket?

The follow on is a tactical decision made by the captain of the team that batted first in a Test match. It occurs when the first team's innings ends with a significant deficit, and the second team's innings is extended due to weather or other factors. The follow on allows the first team to bat again, starting with a new innings, while the second team continues their innings.

Key Points

  • The follow on is only possible in Test cricket, not in One Day Internationals or Twenty20 matches.
  • The decision to follow on is made by the captain of the team that batted first.
  • The follow on can be a strategic advantage, allowing the team to bat again with a fresh mind and new conditions.
  • The follow on can also be a disadvantage, as the team may have to bat again in difficult conditions.

How to Calculate the Follow On

Calculating the follow on in Test cricket involves determining the target score that the team batting first must achieve to force a follow on. The formula for calculating the follow on is as follows:

Follow On Formula

Follow On Target = (Second Team's Total Score / Overs Bowled) × (Overs Remaining + Overs Already Bowled)

Where:

  • Second Team's Total Score - The total runs scored by the second team in their innings.
  • Overs Bowled - The number of overs bowled by the second team in their innings.
  • Overs Remaining - The number of overs remaining in the second team's innings.
  • Overs Already Bowled - The number of overs already bowled in the second team's innings.

The follow on target is the score that the first team must achieve to force a follow on. If the first team's innings ends with a score less than the follow on target, the follow on will be declared, and the first team will bat again.

Important Notes

  • The follow on can only be declared if the second team's innings is extended due to weather or other factors.
  • The follow on can only be declared if the first team's innings ends with a significant deficit.
  • The follow on can only be declared if the first team's innings ends with a minimum of 100 runs.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example to illustrate how to calculate the follow on in Test cricket.

Example Scenario

In a Test match, the second team has scored 300 runs in their innings. The second team has bowled 50 overs in their innings. The second team's innings is extended due to weather, and there are 20 overs remaining in the second team's innings.

Using the follow on formula:

Follow On Target Calculation

Follow On Target = (300 / 50) × (20 + 50)

Follow On Target = 6 × 70

Follow On Target = 420

In this example, the follow on target is 420 runs. If the first team's innings ends with a score less than 420 runs, the follow on will be declared, and the first team will bat again.

Key Points to Remember

  • The follow on is a unique situation in Test cricket that allows the team that batted first to bat again.
  • The follow on can be a strategic advantage, allowing the team to bat again with a fresh mind and new conditions.
  • The follow on can also be a disadvantage, as the team may have to bat again in difficult conditions.
  • The follow on can only be declared if the second team's innings is extended due to weather or other factors.
  • The follow on can only be declared if the first team's innings ends with a significant deficit.
  • The follow on can only be declared if the first team's innings ends with a minimum of 100 runs.

FAQ

What is the follow on in Test cricket?
The follow on is a unique situation in Test cricket where the team that batted first in the match is required to bat again after the second team has declared their innings. This can happen when the first team's innings ends with a significant deficit, and the second team's innings is extended due to weather or other factors.
How is the follow on calculated in Test cricket?
The follow on is calculated using the formula: Follow On Target = (Second Team's Total Score / Overs Bowled) × (Overs Remaining + Overs Already Bowled). This formula helps determine the target score that the team batting first must achieve to force a follow on.
What are the conditions for declaring a follow on in Test cricket?
The follow on can only be declared if the second team's innings is extended due to weather or other factors, if the first team's innings ends with a significant deficit, and if the first team's innings ends with a minimum of 100 runs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the follow on in Test cricket?
The follow on can be a strategic advantage, allowing the team to bat again with a fresh mind and new conditions. However, it can also be a disadvantage, as the team may have to bat again in difficult conditions.
Can the follow on be declared in One Day Internationals or Twenty20 matches?
No, the follow on can only be declared in Test cricket. It is not possible in One Day Internationals or Twenty20 matches.