Test Cricket Follow-on Calculator
Test Cricket Follow-on Calculator
The Test Cricket Follow-on calculator computes whether a team can enforce the follow-on in a Test match. Enter first innings score of batting team and second innings score of opposition to calculate if follow-on can be enforced based on official cricket rules.
5-Day Match
- Team 1 Score: 450
- Team 2 Score: 200
Follow-On Threshold = 450 – 200 = 250
Since Team 2’s score (200) is less than 250, Team 1 can enforce the follow-on.
How to Calculate Follow-on in Cricket
In a 5-day Test match, the team batting first needs a lead of 200 runs or more to enforce the follow-on.
For 4-day matches, the required lead is 150 runs. The lead is calculated by subtracting the opposition’s first innings score from the team’s first innings total.
When the batting team achieves the required lead, they gain the option to enforce the follow-on, requiring the opposition to bat again immediately instead of batting their own second innings.
5-Day Match
- Team 1 Score: 350
- Team 2 Score: 160
Follow-On Threshold = 350 – 200 = 150
Since Team 2’s score (160) is greater than 150, Team 1 cannot enforce the follow-on.
Test Match Follow-on Formula
Lead = First Innings Score - Second Innings Score
Follow-on Possible if:
Lead ≥ 200 runs (5-day Test)
Lead ≥ 150 runs (4-day Match)
The formula requires:
- First Innings Score: Batting team’s total
- Second Innings Score: Opposition’s total
- Match Duration: 4 or 5 days
Classic Test Match Example
- First Innings: 487
- Second Innings: 267
- Lead: 220 runs
- Result: Follow-on can be enforced (Lead exceeds 200 runs in 5-day Test)
Close to Margin Example
- First Innings: 325
- Second Innings: 135
- Lead: 190 runs
- Result: Follow-on cannot be enforced (Lead below 200-run requirement)
4-Day Match Example
- First Innings: 378
- Second Innings: 198
- Lead: 180 runs
- Result: Follow-on can be enforced (Exceeds 150-run requirement for 4-day match)
Dominant Performance Example
- First Innings: 642
- Second Innings: 283
- Lead: 359 runs
- Result: Follow-on can be enforced (Substantial lead above requirement)
Small Lead Example
- First Innings: 275
- Second Innings: 245
- Lead: 30 runs
- Result: Follow-on cannot be enforced (Insufficient lead)
What is Follow-on in Test Match?
The Follow-on is a strategic rule in Test cricket that allows the team batting first to make the opposition bat again immediately after their first innings when leading by 200 runs in a 5-day Test or 150 runs in a 4-day match. This tactical option helps teams manage match time effectively and can be crucial for securing victory when weather or pitch conditions are factors. Captains consider bowling resources, weather forecasts, and pitch deterioration before enforcing this option.