What happens if India fail to score 246 against Australia at the Gabba? The follow-up rule and its consequences explained

As rain continued to take players off the field in the India vs Australia 3rd Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, we discuss the importance of India getting to 246 in their first innings. Australia scored 445 in their innings; mind you, why was everyone so worried about 246? What about the remaining 199 runs? Why is it extremely important for India to get 246 for now and forget about 445?

The answer lies in the corollary law. According to MCC Law 14.1.1, “In a two-innings match of 5 days or more, the side batting first and leading by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.” So what does this effectively mean? This means that if India do not reach 246, Australia will have the option of asking to come out to bat again. And if they can throw them out during the necessary runs, they will match with an innings; if not, they will come out to bat and chase the lead India takes. This would effectively rule out any possibility of Australia losing this Test.

Follow-up may have gone out of fashion in the modern game, but it becomes extremely crucial in a Test match where time is one of the most important variables.

If India manage to save the follow-on, it would be a huge step towards saving the Test match as it would mean Australia would have to come out to bat in their second innings and set India a target which would take more time off . this test.

What happened before lunch on day 4?

Steve Smith redeemed himself with a stunning catch to deny KL Rahul a thrilling century and give Australia a vital breakthrough before lunch on day four of the third Test in Brisbane on Tuesday.

At slip, Smith sprang to his right to pluck a one-hander after spinner Nathan Lyon induced an edge from opener Rahul, who fell for 84 as India went to lunch on 167 for six, still 79 runs from avoiding the follow-on.

The catch broke a stubborn 67-run partnership with recalled all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, which had given India hope of averting a second consecutive defeat in the five-match series.

It was also a relief for Smith after captain Pat Cummins lost a chance at the waist in the ties on the first ball of the morning to dismiss Rahul on 33.

Australia’s task was made tougher by a calf problem for paceman Josh Hazlewood, who bowled just one over in the morning before a team spokesman said he would be taken for a scan.