Follow On in Cricket
What is the follow on in Test cricket? The run lead required, why captains enforce or decline it, and its tactical implications.
The follow on is a rule in Test cricket that allows the fielding side to ask the opposition to bat again immediately after their first innings — without the fielding side batting again first — if the opposition's first-innings total is sufficiently below their own.
Run Lead Required for Follow On
| Match type | Required first-innings lead for follow on |
|---|---|
| Test match (5 days) | 200 runs |
| 3-day match | 150 runs |
| 2-day match | 100 runs |
| 1-day match | 75 runs |
Enforcing vs Declining the Follow On
Enforcing the follow on saves batting time and can put maximum pressure on the opposition to bat twice in difficult conditions. However, many modern captains decline the follow on even when eligible — to rest their bowlers, let their batsmen consolidate the lead, and avoid tiring fast bowlers in a fourth-innings chase.
Famous Follow On Turnarounds
- Kolkata Test 2001 (India vs Australia): India followed on 274 runs behind and won by 171 runs — one of the greatest Test match comebacks. VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180*) batted India to safety.
- Headingley 1981 (England vs Australia): England followed on, then Botham's century drove a 18-run win.
- These turnarounds make some captains reluctant to enforce the follow on.
Frequently asked questions
Can a team be forced to follow on if they are not ready?
The follow on is enforced — the fielding captain decides. If they choose to enforce it, the opposing team must comply immediately and begin their second innings.
Does the follow on happen in ODIs or T20s?
No — the follow on is exclusive to multi-innings (Test) cricket. In limited-overs cricket, each team bats once.