How to Calculate The Follow on Score in Test Cricket
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
In Test cricket, a follow-on is a strategic decision where the team that won the toss chooses to bat second, while the team that lost the toss must follow on and bat again. This occurs when the team batting first scores a large total, making it difficult for the chasing team to reach the target in the remaining overs. Calculating the follow-on score involves determining the target score for the second innings based on the first innings total and the number of overs remaining.
What is a Follow On in Test Cricket?
A follow-on is a rare but significant event in Test cricket where the team that won the toss chooses to bat second, while the team that lost the toss must bat again. This decision is typically made when the team batting first has scored a very large total, making it nearly impossible for the chasing team to reach the target in the remaining overs.
Key Points:
- The follow-on is declared by the captain of the team batting first.
- It can only be declared after the first innings has ended.
- The team that follows on must bat for a minimum of 20 overs.
- The follow-on score is calculated based on the first innings total and the number of overs remaining.
When a follow-on is declared, the team that lost the toss must bat again, and the target score for the second innings is calculated based on the first innings total and the number of overs remaining. This ensures that the match remains competitive and fair.
Follow On Score Calculation Formula
The follow-on score is calculated using the following formula:
Follow On Score = (First Innings Total / Overs Remaining) × 20
Where:
- First Innings Total is the total runs scored by the team batting first.
- Overs Remaining is the number of overs left in the match after the first innings has ended.
- 20 is the minimum number of overs the team that follows on must bat.
This formula ensures that the follow-on score is a fair and competitive target for the team that must follow on.
How to Use the Follow On Calculator
Our interactive calculator makes it easy to calculate the follow-on score. Simply enter the first innings total and the number of overs remaining, then click the "Calculate" button. The calculator will display the follow-on score, which is the target for the team that must follow on.
Assumptions:
- The calculator assumes that the team that follows on must bat for a minimum of 20 overs.
- The calculator does not account for any changes in the match conditions or the performance of the players.
Using the calculator is a quick and easy way to determine the follow-on score and ensure that the match remains competitive and fair.
Example Calculation
Let's consider an example to illustrate how to calculate the follow-on score. Suppose the team batting first scores a total of 500 runs, and there are 40 overs remaining in the match.
Follow On Score = (500 / 40) × 20 = 250
In this example, the follow-on score is 250 runs. This means that the team that must follow on must score at least 250 runs in 20 overs to win the match.
This example demonstrates how the follow-on score is calculated and how it ensures that the match remains competitive and fair.
FAQ
What is the purpose of a follow-on in Test cricket?
The follow-on is a strategic decision where the team that won the toss chooses to bat second, while the team that lost the toss must follow on and bat again. This occurs when the team batting first scores a large total, making it difficult for the chasing team to reach the target in the remaining overs.
How is the follow-on score calculated?
The follow-on score is calculated using the formula: Follow On Score = (First Innings Total / Overs Remaining) × 20. This formula ensures that the follow-on score is a fair and competitive target for the team that must follow on.
Can a follow-on be declared in any Test match?
No, a follow-on can only be declared after the first innings has ended. The team that won the toss must choose to bat second, and the team that lost the toss must follow on and bat again.
What is the minimum number of overs a team must bat when following on?
The team that follows on must bat for a minimum of 20 overs. This ensures that the match remains competitive and fair.
How does the follow-on score affect the outcome of a Test match?
The follow-on score ensures that the match remains competitive and fair. If the team that follows on scores more than the follow-on score, they win the match. If they score less, the team that batted first wins the match.