The Mystery Of Follow On In Cricket | Why Some Teams Use It and Others Don’t
Published: 8 Jan 2025
In Test cricket, the longest and most traditional format, there’s a rule that can change the entire game—”the follow on rule”. Here’s how it works: Imagine your team has bowled out the opposition for a low score and has built a lead of at least 200 runs. Now, you can make them bat again right away. It’s a big decision, and it’s up to the captain to decide whether to enforce the follow on or opt to bat again.
The follow on in cricket is one of the most important and debated parts of Test cricket. It gives the leading team a chance to stay in control, but it also comes with some risks. So, why do some teams choose to enforce it, while others don’t?
In this article, we’ll explain what the follow on in cricket is, how it works, and why it can make such a big difference in a match. We’ll also look at famous examples where it’s been used and how it shapes the game in Test cricket!
Understand the Follow On Rule In Cricket
Let’s break it down with a simple example to see how the follow on works.
The Scenario
A Test match is being played between Team A and Team B.
- Team A (1st Innings): Team A bats first and scores 450 runs in their first innings.
- Team B (1st Innings): Team B bats next and manages to score only 200 runs.
- Lead for Team A: 450 – 200 = 250 runs.
Since Team A has a lead of more than 200 runs (the threshold for a follow on in a 5-day Test match), Team A’s captain now has a decision to make:
What Are the Options?
- Enforce the Follow On: Team A can make Team B bat again immediately (2nd innings of Team B).
- This puts Team B under pressure, as their first target is to score 250 runs to eliminate the 250-run deficit. Then, score over and above 250 and build a defendable lead for Team A to chase in the final innings.
(if Team B gets out under 200, it will be called an innings defeat for Team B)
- This puts Team B under pressure, as their first target is to score 250 runs to eliminate the 250-run deficit. Then, score over and above 250 and build a defendable lead for Team A to chase in the final innings.
- Decline the Follow On: Team A can choose to bat again instead.
- This gives Team A a chance to rest their bowlers and pile on more runs, making their lead even bigger and more difficult to achieve for Team B.
The Strategic Side of Follow On
Enforcing the follow on isn’t just about knowing the rules—it’s all about strategy. The decision can turn the match around, for better or worse. Here’s why captains consider it, and what’s at stake when they do.
Why Would a Team Enforce the Follow On?
Putting Pressure on the Other Team:
Picture this: You’ve bowled your opponents out for a low score and have a solid lead. Enforcing the follow on forces them to bat again immediately. They’re already mentally drained, and now they’ve got to face your fresh bowlers. It’s a way of applying pressure and trying to get them out quickly again. The goal? To finish the game sooner and avoid any surprises.
Bowling Conditions Are in Your Favor:
If the pitch is doing wonders for the bowlers, that’s another reason to enforce the follow on. Maybe the seamers are getting movement or the spinners have the upper hand. You’ve got the conditions on your side, so why not use them to get your opponents out before they can recover?
Time Is Running Out:
In Test cricket, time can be a big factor. If it’s already day four or five, and the match is moving slowly, enforcing the follow on might be the best way to wrap things up. If rain is expected or there’s just not enough time left, you want to bowl the opposition out quickly to avoid a drawn game.
The Risks of Enforcing the Follow On?
Fatigue for Your Bowlers:
Here’s where things get tricky. Your bowlers just gave it their all in the first innings, and now you’re asking them to go right back out there. They’re tired, and with the pressure of bowling again so quickly, they could get injured or not perform as well. This might be a big gamble, especially if they’re already struggling.
What If the Other Team Fights Back?
Another risk is that the opposition might do much better in their second innings. Maybe they get their act together and put up a strong fight. Now, instead of quickly ending the game, you could find yourself chasing a much bigger total in the final innings. The follow on could backfire, and you might be in for a nail-biting finish.
Real-Life Example
A famous example of a follow on decision comes from the 2001 Kolkata Test between India and Australia. Australia scored 445 in their first innings and restricted India to 171. India got follow up and was asked to bat again. In their second innings, India scored 657. Now the target for Australia was 383. Australia were all out for 212 in their second innings and lost the match.
It shows how risky the follow on can be. Had India not mounted that comeback, Australia could have wrapped up the game much earlier. But because India fought back, the match went to the wire!
What is Declaring the Innings?
Declaring the Innings in cricket is a strategic decision made by the batting team’s captain. It means that the team ends its batting innings before being dismissed, regardless of how many wickets are still in hand.
The declaration is usually made when the batting team has scored a good number of runs and feels that it would be difficult for the opponents to chase.
Why Do Teams Declare?
Pitch Conditions: If the pitch is deteriorating and helping the bowlers, a team may declare to get the opposition out while the conditions are in their favor.
Time Pressure: In Test cricket, where there are five days to play, the captain may declare to make sure there’s enough time to bowl the opposition out and win the game.
It all happens when the batting team has scored a reasonable number of runs and has set a difficult target.
Why Some Teams Don’t Enforce the Follow On
Despite having a big lead, some teams decide against enforcing the follow on. Here’s why:
1. Bowlers’ Fatigue
After bowling long spells in the first innings, bowlers can be fatigued. Asking them to bowl again immediately could reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of injury.
2. Giving Players Rest
Not enforcing the follow on gives the team time to rest. This allows players, especially the bowlers, to recover and perform at their best later in the match.
3. Avoiding the Risk of a Comeback
Even with a lead, the opposition could fight back in their second innings. Batting again allows the leading team to build a bigger total, reducing the chances of a surprising comeback.
4. External Factors Like Weather
Weather can play a big role in the decision. If rain is expected or there’s little time left in the match, the team may opt to bat again and make things more difficult for the opposition.
When Should a Captain Choose to Enforce the Follow On?
Deciding when to enforce the follow on is not always straightforward. A captain must consider several factors before making this important decision. Here’s when it makes sense to go for it:
1. Big Lead and Confidence
When a team has a solid lead, enforcing the follow on is a way to keep up the pressure on the opposition. The opposition is already struggling, and the lead gives the captain the confidence to push for an early win.
2. Favorable Pitch Conditions
If the pitch is offering help to bowlers—whether it’s turning for spinners or bouncing for seamers—it’s the perfect time to enforce the follow on. Fresh bowlers can take full advantage of these conditions and increase their chances of taking quick wickets.
3. Time Is on Your Side
If there’s enough time left in the match—especially on Day 4 or Day 5—enforcing the follow on can give the bowling team enough time to dismiss the opposition. The captain will need to be confident that they can bowl out the opposition a second time and still have time to chase down a target, if necessary.
4. Weaknesses in the Opposition’s Batting
If the opposition has already shown weakness in their batting, especially in their first innings, the captain may feel confident in enforcing the follow on. The idea is to expose these weaknesses again, knowing the team is likely to struggle a second time.
5. Psychological Pressure
Sometimes, a captain may choose the follow on to psychologically wear down the opposition. Asking them to bat again immediately can increase their pressure, and the team may make mistakes or struggle under mental strain. This is especially effective if the opposition is already on the back foot.
Famous Victories After Follow Ups
Throughout cricket history, there have been several memorable moments where the follow on was enforced. These moments have often shaped the course of the match and sometimes even led to dramatic turnarounds. Let’s take a look at a few famous examples:
| Winner | Margin | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
| England | 10 runs | v Australia | Sydney | 14 Dec 1894 |
| England | 18 runs | v Australia | Leeds | 16 Jul 1981 |
| India | 171 runs | v Australia | Eden Gardens | 11 Mar 2001 |
| New Zealand | 1 run | v England | Wellington | 24 Feb 2023 |
The Follow On in Modern Cricket: Is It Still Relevant?
So, does the follow on still hold the same weight in today’s game, or has it become a bit outdated? With all the changes in cricket over the years, from new formats to evolving strategies, it’s a good question to ask.
1. The Changing Nature of Test Cricket
Test cricket today is played at a much faster pace than it was in the past. Batting conditions are better, and with the rise of more aggressive playing styles, teams are often scoring faster than ever. With that in mind, some captains might feel that the follow on is less of a game-changer today than it once was.
2. The Impact of Tiredness and Rotation
One of the major considerations in modern cricket is player fitness. With teams often rotating their fast bowlers to prevent injuries, captains may be reluctant to enforce the follow on. Bowlers have to be managed carefully, and asking them to bowl again right after a long first innings could wear them out.
3. More Aggressive Batting Means Bigger Targets
Batting is a lot more aggressive these days. Teams are scoring fast and setting big targets for the opposition. Because of this, the follow on doesn’t always seem as attractive.
4. A Shift in Test Match Strategy
With the increasing popularity of shorter formats like T20 and ODIs, Test cricket is slowly adapting to the changes in the game.
5. The Mental Game
One thing that hasn’t changed is the mental side of cricket. The follow on still holds a psychological edge—it can really pressure the opposition. But even in modern times, captains tend to think more strategically. Instead of rushing into a decision, they’ll weigh factors like team energy, pitch conditions, and time left in the match. Sometimes, that means choosing not to enforce the follow on because of the factors that we have mentioned above, even when it might seem like the obvious choice.
Final Thoughts
The follow on remains one of cricket’s most debated strategies. It can apply pressure and lead to a quick win, but it also comes with risks like bowler fatigue and unpredictable weather. While it’s still a valuable tactic, modern cricket often sees captains playing it safe and setting bigger targets instead.
Ultimately, the decision to enforce the follow on depends on the match situation and many other things. It’s a key tool in a captain’s strategy, and understanding when to use it can make all the difference in Test cricket.
