Test Match Follow on Calculation
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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 and chose to bat first is required to bat again after the second innings. This occurs when the team batting second has a significant lead in the first innings, making it impossible for them to catch up in the second innings.
What is a Follow On in Test Cricket?
The follow-on is a unique situation in Test cricket where the team that won the toss and chose to bat first is forced to bat again after the second innings. This happens when the team batting second has a substantial lead in the first innings, making it mathematically impossible for them to catch up in the second innings.
The decision to impose a follow-on is made by the umpires, who assess the score difference between the two teams. The follow-on is typically imposed when the team batting second has scored at least 200 runs more than the team batting first.
In Test cricket, the follow-on is a rare but important tactical decision that can significantly alter the outcome of a match. It requires careful calculation to determine the correct target for the team batting in the follow-on innings.
How to Calculate the Follow On Target
Calculating the follow-on target involves several steps to ensure accuracy. The key formula used is:
Follow On Target = (Team 1 First Innings Score + Team 2 First Innings Score) - Team 1 First Innings Score + 1
This formula essentially means that the follow-on target is the sum of both teams' first innings scores minus the team batting first's score, plus one run. This ensures that the team batting in the follow-on has a realistic chance of winning the match.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Add the scores of both teams' first innings.
- Subtract the team batting first's first innings score from the total.
- Add one run to the result to determine the follow-on target.
It's important to note that the follow-on target is not simply the difference between the two teams' first innings scores. The additional run added to the calculation ensures that the team batting in the follow-on has a realistic chance of winning the match.
Example Calculation
Let's consider an example to illustrate how the follow-on target is calculated. Suppose Team A and Team B are playing a Test match, and the following scores are recorded:
- Team A's first innings score: 350 runs
- Team B's first innings score: 500 runs
In this scenario, Team B has a significant lead of 150 runs over Team A. The umpires may decide to impose a follow-on on Team A, requiring them to bat again in the second innings.
To calculate the follow-on target, we use the formula mentioned earlier:
Follow On Target = (350 + 500) - 350 + 1 = 451
Therefore, Team A would need to score 451 runs in their second innings to win the match. If they fall short of this target, Team B would win the match.
Key Points to Remember
- The follow-on is a rare but important tactical decision in Test cricket.
- The follow-on target is calculated using the sum of both teams' first innings scores minus the team batting first's score, plus one run.
- The follow-on is typically imposed when the team batting second has a significant lead in the first innings.
- The follow-on target ensures that the team batting in the follow-on has a realistic chance of winning the match.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 and chose to bat first is required to bat again after the second innings. It is imposed when the team batting second has a significant lead in the first innings, making it impossible for them to catch up in the second innings.
How is the follow-on target calculated?
The follow-on target is calculated using the sum of both teams' first innings scores minus the team batting first's score, plus one run. This ensures that the team batting in the follow-on has a realistic chance of winning the match.
When is a follow-on typically imposed in Test cricket?
A follow-on is typically imposed when the team batting second has scored at least 200 runs more than the team batting first. The decision is made by the umpires, who assess the score difference between the two teams.
What happens if the team batting in the follow-on falls short of the target?
If the team batting in the follow-on falls short of the target, the team batting second wins the match. The follow-on target is designed to ensure that the team batting in the follow-on has a realistic chance of winning the match.
Can a team refuse to bat in the follow-on?
No, a team cannot refuse to bat in the follow-on. The follow-on is a strategic decision made by the umpires, and the team batting first is required to bat again after the second innings.