What is the follow on rule in cricket? When is it used in test matches? Everything you need to know

On By Littum

Imagine a test match where one team scores 500 runs in their first innings and the opposite team struggles and gets out for just 150 runs.

The captain of the stronger team has a choice: should their team strike again or ask the opposition to strike immediately? This is where the follow-up rule comes into play.

The Follow-up rule in cricket is a specific regulation that applies primarily in Test matches, which allows the team that batted first to require the opposing team to bat again immediately after their first innings if they have established a significant lead.

In Test cricket the margin must be at least 200 runs. This rule saves time in matches where one team dominates.

A recent example of the follow-on rule in cricket occurred on 17 December 2024 during the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.

However, India fought back valiantly. The follow-up rule is a key strategy that can change the course of a game.

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Who decides the follow-up rule?

The decision to enforce follow-up is not automatic; it rests with the captain of the leading team. Factors influencing this decision include:

  • Track condition and weather.
  • The remaining time of the match.
  • Bowlers physical condition and fatigue level after their previous innings.

Law 14.2 of the Laws of Cricket states: “A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his/her intention to exercise this option. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.”

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Why use it?

Enforcing a follow-up can have several strategic advantages:

  • Pressure on opponents: This puts a psychological pressure on the slaughter team, as they have already had a hard time in their first rounds.
  • Reduced draw probability: By forcing the other team to hit back faster, it reduces the likelihood of a tie game.

But there are also potential drawbacks:

  • Bowler Fatigue: Bowlers may be tired after bowling a full innings, which may affect their performance in the second innings.
  • Pitch degradation: Batting last can be challenging due to wear and tear on the pitch, which can favor bowlers more as the match progresses.

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How many teams have lost after enforcing the follow-on rule?

In Test cricket, there have been four instances where a team has lost after enforcing the follow-on. Here are the details of those matches:

Australia vs. England (1894-95)

  • Location: Sydney
  • Margin of loss: 10 runs

Australia vs. England (1981)

  • Location: Leeds
  • Margin of loss: 18 runs

India vs. Australia (2001)

  • Location: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
  • Margin of loss: 171 runs

New Zealand vs. England (2023)

  • Location: Wellington
  • Margin of loss: 1 run

A recent example of the Follow-On Rule in cricket occurred during the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on 17 December 2024.

In this match, Australia posted a formidable total of 445 runs in their first innings. India faced considerable pressure and needed to score 246 runs to avoid being asked to follow on. At one point they were struggling at 51 runs for 4 wickets, highlighting their precarious situation.

If India did not reach the target, Australia could enforce the follow-on and require India to bat again immediately without a break, which would have seriously affected India’s chances of winning or drawing the match.

However, India successfully avoided the follow-up during the third Test match against Australia at the Gabba on 17 December 2024 by reaching a total of 246 runs in their first innings.

Facing considerable pressure, India were 167 for 6 at one point, needing 79 more runs to avoid the follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role and scored 41 runs while Nitish Kumar Reddy also contributed.

Despite interruptions from rain, which added to the tension, the pair managed to steady the laps. In the end, India’s ability to outrun the follow-on target was crucial to sustaining their chances in the match.

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