What Are Follow-On Rules in Test Cricket? How Many Runs Are Needed to Avoid It?
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The 3rd Test between Australia and India has reached a crucial stage. On Day 4, India is fighting to recover after a poor performance from their top order in the first innings. Rain interruptions have made the situation tougher, but India must score at least 246 runs to avoid a follow-on.
What is a Follow-On in Cricket?
In Test cricket, each team gets two chances to bat. A follow-on happens when the team batting second fails to score enough runs in their first innings. The captain of the team batting first can then force the other team to bat again immediately. This rule helps the leading team finish the match faster by dismissing the opposition twice.
According to cricket laws, the minimum lead needed to enforce a follow-on in a five-day Test match is 200 runs. If the lead is smaller, the follow-on cannot be enforced. The captain must inform the umpires and the opposing team of their decision, and once decided, it cannot be changed.
The follow-on is often used when the leading team wants to capitalize on the opponent’s weak batting. It also allows the bowlers to maintain pressure and confidence. However, this strategy can tire out the bowlers.
Why Won’t Australia Enforce Follow-On Against India?
With the rain delays in Brisbane, Australia might not get the chance to enforce the follow-on. India is close to avoiding it by working to reach the required 246-run mark.
Additionally, only one day is left in the Test match, and enforcing the follow-on may not guarantee a result for Australia. Instead, Australia could choose to bat for one session, build a lead, and then set a target for India to chase. This approach gives Australia a better chance to control the match and push for a win.
India will be keen to avoid the follow-on. The last time they faced a follow-on in Test cricket was against England in 2011 at the Oval, where they eventually lost the series 4-0. The most memorable follow-on against India was enforced by Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens. On that occasion, India achieved a historic comeback victory.
Read Original Content: What Are Follow-On Rules in Test Cricket? How Many Runs Are Needed to Avoid It?
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