Cricket Follow-On Calculator
Determine follow-on eligibility based on ICC Law 14 rules
Follow-On Calculator
Follow-On Analysis
Follow-On Available
Team 1 leads by 230 runs, which exceeds the required 200 runs for Test Cricket.
The captain can choose to enforce the follow-on and invite Team 2 to bat again immediately.
Match Details
Scorecard Summary
Tactical Considerations
- •Time available: Multiple days remaining
- •Bowler fatigue: Manageable bowling effort
- •Weather conditions and pitch deterioration
- •Psychological pressure on opposition
- •Risk of comeback (only 3 teams won after follow-on)
- •Draw possibilities with defensive batting
Example: Australia vs England (Ashes)
Despite having a 236-run lead (36 runs more than required), Australia chose not to enforce follow-on
Follow-On Rules (Law 14)
International matches
Most prestigious format
County/State cricket
Professional competitions
Club level cricket
Weekend matches
Single day matches
Time-limited cricket
Historical Facts
Only 3 teams won after follow-on
In 140+ years of Test cricket
India's miracle at Kolkata 2001
Most famous follow-on comeback
England's Headingley heroics 1981
Botham's legendary performance
Tactical decision crucial
Many factors beyond just runs
Famous Follow-On Scenarios
Australia vs England
Not EnforcedCaptain chose not to enforce despite 36-run margin
India vs Australia
EnforcedHistoric comeback win after follow-on
England vs Australia
EnforcedMiraculous Botham and Willis performance
West Indies vs Australia
EnforcedRecord follow-on comeback by Australia
Understanding Cricket Follow-On
What is Follow-On?
The follow-on is a cricket rule governed by Law 14 of the MCC Laws of Cricket. It allows the team batting first to invite the opposing team to bat again immediately after their first innings, without the first team batting their second innings.
When Can It Be Enforced?
- Test Cricket: 200+ run lead required (5+ day matches)
- First-Class: 150+ run lead required (3-4 day matches)
- Two-Day: 100+ run lead required (2 day matches)
- One-Day: 75+ run lead required (1 day matches)
Historical Context
- •Law 14: Established by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
- •Purpose: Avoid draws and force results in longer format cricket
- •Rare wins: Only 3 teams have won after being asked to follow-on
- •Modern cricket: Captains often choose not to enforce due to tactical reasons
Tactical Considerations
- •Bowler fatigue: Fresh bowlers vs tired bowlers after long innings
- •Time management: Days remaining in the match
- •Pitch conditions: Deteriorating pitch may favor bowlers later
- •Weather forecast: Rain predictions affect decision making
- •Psychological pressure: Mental impact on opposition team
- •Risk assessment: Very rare chance of opposition comeback
Strategic Tip: While the follow-on is available based on runs, modern captains consider multiple factors. The decision depends on match situation, team fitness, weather conditions, and pitch deterioration rather than just the numerical advantage.
Why Follow-On Wins Are Rare
- •Massive deficit: Teams are already significantly behind
- •Psychological pressure: Mental burden of immediate batting
- •No recovery time: No break between innings for strategy
- •Opposition momentum: Bowling team has psychological advantage
Law 14 - The Follow-On Rule
Law 14.1.1 - Test Cricket
"In a two-innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings."
Law 14.1.2 - Shorter Matches
"The minimum runs criterion for matches of shorter durations: 150 runs (3-4 days), 100 runs (2 days), and 75 runs (1 day)."