Are you curious to know what is follow on in cricket? You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about follow on in cricket in a very simple explanation. Without further discussion let’s begin to know what is follow on in cricket?
Cricket, often referred to as a gentleman’s game, is rich in traditions and strategies. One of the intriguing aspects of cricket, particularly in Test matches, is the follow-on. It’s a tactical move employed by the team in a dominant position to further press their advantage against the opposition. In this blog, we will explore what follow-on in cricket is, when it is enforced, and its significance in the longest format of the game.
What Is Follow On In Cricket?
The follow-on is a rule unique to Test cricket, the longest and most traditional format of the sport. In Test matches, both teams bat twice, with the exception of cases where the follow-on rule comes into play. Here’s how it works:
- First Innings: In a Test match, the team that wins the toss chooses whether to bat or bowl first. The team batting first attempts to score as many runs as possible in their first innings, while the bowling team tries to dismiss them as quickly as possible.
- Second Innings: The teams then swap roles, with the team that batted first now bowling and the team that bowled first batting in their second innings. The objective is to outscore the opposition.
- Enforcing the Follow-On: The follow-on rule comes into play if, at the end of the first innings, the team that batted first has scored significantly more runs than the team that batted second. Traditionally, this margin is 200 runs, but it can vary depending on the cricketing regulations or the specific Test series.
- Consequences of the Follow-On: If the follow-on is enforced, the team that batted second must bat again immediately, without a break. They are now in a vulnerable position, as they have already batted once and must attempt to overcome their deficit to avoid losing the match.
Significance Of The Follow-On
The follow-on is a strategic move with several key purposes:
- Capitalizing on Dominance: The team that enforces the follow-on typically does so because they are in a commanding position. By making the opposition bat again immediately, they aim to exploit their dominance and put further pressure on the opposing team.
- Minimizing Wear and Tear: In Test matches, the pitch can deteriorate over time, making batting more challenging as the match progresses. Enforcing the follow-on allows the fielding team to bowl on a potentially deteriorating pitch, increasing their chances of taking wickets.
- Saving Time: Test matches have a set duration, and there’s often limited time to secure a result. By enforcing the follow-on and pushing for a quick victory, the fielding team can save valuable time in a Test match.
- Psychological Impact: Being asked to follow on can have a significant psychological impact on the batting team. They may feel demoralized and under additional pressure, which can affect their performance.
Challenges Of Enforcing The Follow-On
While enforcing the follow-on can be a strategic move, it’s not without its risks. If the team that batted first doesn’t succeed in dismissing the opposition quickly in their second innings, they may end up with less time to secure a victory. Additionally, if the batting team in the second innings performs exceptionally well, they can put the fielding team in a challenging situation.
Conclusion
The follow-on rule in Test cricket adds a layer of strategy and complexity to the longest format of the sport. It allows the dominant team to capitalize on their advantage and put pressure on the opposition. However, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly, as it carries its own set of risks and challenges. Ultimately, the follow-on is a testament to the strategic depth of cricket, where tactics and decisions play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of a match.
FAQ
What Is Rule For Follow-On In Cricket?
As per Law 14.1, the follow-on rule for test cricket states that a team batting second can be invited to bat again if they trail by more than 200 runs after the end of their first inning. The decision to enforce follow-on ultimately lies with the captain of the team batting first.
What Is Follow-On Score For 578?
It was at this point where people started contemplating whether England would implement the follow on rule as India seemed to be in a bad position. In this case, the Indian cricket team had to score at least 378 (578-200) to avoid batting again.
Can You Bat Again After Follow-On?
If the second team to bat scores substantially fewer runs than the first team, the first team can enforce the follow-on, instructing the second team to bat again immediately. In this case the sequence of batting innings will be first team, second team, second team and then, if needed, the first team again.
Can A Team Play After Follow-On?
Follow on is only in Test cricket. It is applicable for only the team that bats second. If the team batting second is bowled out and their score is 200 less than that of the opponents then they have the option of allowing the team to bat again.
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